HR 568: Atlanta Jewish Film Festival; 25 years of artistic and cultural excellence; recognize

House Resolution 568

By: Representatives Panitch of the 51st, Roberts of the 52nd, Tran of the 80th, Hagan of the 156th, Cummings of the 39th, and others

A RESOLUTION

Commending the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival for 25 years of artistic and cultural excellence; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival (AJFF) is the largest film festival in Atlanta and the State of Georgia and is one of the most prestigious Jewish film festivals in the world, attracting tens of thousands of attendees annually; and

WHEREAS, since its founding in 2000 by the Atlanta Regional Office of the American Jewish Committee (AJC), AJFF has entertained, educated, and engaged diverse audiences through Jewish storytelling, inspiring greater social and cultural understanding across communities; and

WHEREAS, AJFF continues to partner with religious, ethnic, cultural, and educational organizations—including public and private schools, colleges, and universities—to foster deeper dialogue and strengthen bonds between communities; and

WHEREAS, AJFF is recognized as one of Georgia's most significant cultural events, ranking among the highest-attended film festivals worldwide, growing from its inaugural audience of 1,900 filmgoers to a record-breaking annual attendance of more than 40,000; and

WHEREAS, the 25th Anniversary Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, taking place February 19 to March 16, 2025, features 88 theatrical screenings of 64 films from 22 countries across multiple metro Atlanta venues, along with a 10-day streaming window offering 32 titles for statewide streaming throughout Georgia; and

WHEREAS, during its 10th anniversary, AJFF expanded its cultural footprint by presenting a landmark concert of iconic Jewish film scores in partnership with Turner Classic Movies and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra; and

WHEREAS, in 2015, AJFF made history by becoming the largest Jewish film festival in the world, reinforcing Georgia's reputation as a vibrant hub for film and the arts; and

WHEREAS, as part of its 25th anniversary milestone, AJFF hosted a Field Trip Screening event of Elie Wiesel: Soul on Fire, welcoming more than 500 students from public and private schools across metro Atlanta, with a post-film Q&A featuring the filmmaker to engage young audiences in the lessons of Holocaust history and human rights; and

WHEREAS, in celebration of its 25th anniversary, AJFF has launched the Kenny Blank Vision Initiative, a $2.5 million capital campaign aimed at transforming the organization into a year-round Jewish cultural institution by expanding programs in community relations, education, direct filmmaker support, accessibility, and innovation; and

WHEREAS, the 25th anniversary of AJFF marks a pivotal moment in its evolution, transitioning from a once-a-year festival into a global leader in Jewish arts and culture dedicated to fostering creative expression and connecting diverse audiences through the power of film.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body commend the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival for 25 years of artistic excellence, cultural impact, and commitment to strengthening the Atlanta community through film and dialogue.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival.