Eight films we hope to see at the 2012 Atlanta Jewish Film Festival

The lineup for next year's Atlanta Jewish Film Festival is announced December 13th. Here are eight films we hope to see make the cut. Most are Israeli films, but what can we say? Israeli cinema is exceptional and deserves more exposure.

8 - Policeman (Ha-shoter)

"Policeman" looks to be one of the most intriguing movies out of Israel this past year. Winning prizes for cinematography and the screenplay at the Jerusalem Film Festival, the film was also nominated for seven Ophir Awards. A bold story and creative filmmaking make this one to watch. Trailer



7 - My Lovely Sister

Winning two awards out of nine Ophir nominations is still impressive, especially when both awards are for the film's two actresses, Reymond Amsalem and Evelin Hagoel. This movie looks both whimsical and touching and that's enough to get our attention. Trailer

6 - The Day I Saw Your Heart

We haven't even managed to find a trailer with English subtitles for this one, but we still would love to see it. Atlanta Jewish Film Festival regulars will no doubt recognize star Melanie Laurent from films like "Inglourious Basterds," "Paris" and "Beginners" but also from last year's audience-voted Best Narrative Feature award, "The Round-up." This ensemble dramedy about a Jewish family in Paris should be a good fit for a light and sweet slot in the festival's lineup. Trailer

5 - Restoration (Boker Tov Adon Fidelman)

This film is no stranger to the festival circuit, winning prizes at Sundance, Jerusalem and Karlovy Vary. This film was also up for a number of Ophir awards, winning one for Best Music. "Restoration" is a good example of the type of quality films that have abounded in Israel in recent years but could also find a loyal following in the United States with good distribution. Sasson Gabai ("The Band's Visit") and Sarah Adler ("Jellyfish") have us really wanting to see this one. Trailer

4 - Intimate Grammar

"Intimate Grammar" is a film we have been looking forward to for well over a year now. Based on a beloved book, audiences have really connected with the film as well. Following a ten-year-old boy and his family in 1960s Jerusalem, this has all the makings of an AJFF hit. Trailer

3 - Rabies (Kavelet)

"Rabies" is being called Israel's first horror movie and although we don't know if this title holds true or not, it certainly does look to be a unique offering. Already making it's way to festivals across the globe (including Tribeca and Edinburgh), "Rabies" has garnered a cult following. This would be a great addition to the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival; although, maybe they should schedule the screenings late at night. Trailer

2 - In Darkness

We reviewed Agnieszka Holland's beautiful film "In Darkness" out of the Savannah Film Festival. This film is powerful and is a surefire Best Foreign Language Film nominee at the next Oscar ceremony. You can read my review here.

1 - Footnote (Hearat Shulayim)

Our most anticipated film at this year's festival is "Footnote." Not only did the film win nine Ophir Awards (including Best Picture), it won Best Screenplay at Cannes in May. "Footnote" is Israel's official submission for Best Foreign Language Film Oscar contention and director Joseph Cedar's last effort, "Beaufort," earned a nomination back in 2008. One of Israel's biggest movie stars, Lior Ashkenazi, stars with Israeli comedian Shlomo Bar-Aba. We hope to see it listed in the lineup. Trailer

Atlanta Jewish Film Festival announces new venues and dates

The 12th Annual Atlanta Jewish Film Festival

This year, the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival garnered 26,000 attendees, making it the second largest Jewish film festival in the country. Next year, the festival is expanding yet again and is sure to be seeing even larger numbers than ever before.

The festival will last three weeks, from February 8th through to the 29th. In addition to hosting screenings at The Fox Theatre, Regal Cinemas Atlantic Station, Lefont Sandy Springs and Georgia Theater Company at Merchants Walk (a new venue this past fest); two new theaters will be showing films as well. United Artists Tara Cinemas in Buckhead and United Artists North Point Market in Alpharetta bring the total to six venues.

Three weeks from today (December 13th), the lineup of films and other programming will be announced. Tickets go on sale January 3rd. 

This week we will be posting our wish list of films we hope to see at this years fest. Fingers crossed!

"Wanderlust" trailer

Paul Rudd and Jennifer Aniston star in "Wanderlust"

In February, Universal Pictures will release "Wanderlust," starring Paul Rudd and Jennifer Aniston as a New York couple that move to Atlanta for employment and from there wander onto a hippie commune. News about Rudd and Aniston being spotted all over North Georgia abounded this past summer, so it's nice to finally see some footage of the film. Atlanta, Monroe, Lawrenceville and Clarkesville were all principle locations for filming while Rudd and Aniston are reported to have rented luxurious houses on Lake Burton during their stay. Check out the trailer after the jump.

Review Bundle: "Like Crazy" (****), "Martha Marcy May Marlene" (****1/2), "J. Edgar" (***)

Anton Yelchin and Felicity Jones star in "Like Crazy"

"Like Crazy" is one of those rare movies where the chemistry between the two leads seemingly forms a separate entity, overshadowing either character by themselves. Anton Yelchin and Felicity Jones both give up fantastic performances in this Sundance winner. Considering several scenes were improvised, the chemistry is all the more impressive when you see how it carries them without any scripted lines. Jennifer Lawrence (my soulmate) is a breath of fresh air even when the air is still very fresh. "Like Crazy" is a lively, realistic portrayal of a difficult love. 4 out of 5 stars.

"Martha Marcy May Marlene" and "J. Edgar" after the jump. 

11/15 Star spotting: Billy Crystal, Denzel Washington, Marisa Tomei

Billy Crystal, Marisa Tomei and Bette Midler have been seen all over Atlanta for a few weeks now, filming family comedy, "Parental Guidance." Filming has taken place at Piedmont Park, Perimeter Mall and Cobb Energy Centre as well as various sites throughout Atlanta, Dunwoody and Johns Creek. Tomei in particular has been seen shopping and dining around town when not shooting.

Denzel Washington is currently filming Robert Zemeckis' new project "Flight" throughout Buckhead and Sandy Springs. John Goodman has also been spotted around town, while we have yet to hear anything about co-stars Don Cheadle and Melissa Leo.

Ben Stiller, Jonah Hill and Vince Vaughn have been filming "The Watch" on location in Marietta and Smyrna for several weeks and just moved the set to Midtown.

"The Walking Dead" is currently in production of season two and has been filming near Senoia and Hampton lately.

Spotted any celebrities around the state? Email us at reelga@gmail.com with the details and we'll post it here.

Savannah: "In Darkness" (****1/2)

Milla Bankowicz and Robert Wieckiewicz star in "In Darkness"

My last day in Savannah, I had the the misfortune of having to choose between seeing Lily Tomlin in person at a tribute/screening of “The Late Show” or seeing Agnieszka Holland's baity but promising Holocaust drama, “In Darkness.” I chose the later with the hope that I would see Tomlin somewhere around town. I didn't spot her, but I am very pleased with my choice.

"The Hunger Games" trailer

While the chosen filming location of North Carolina fits the bill, I think "The Hunger Games" could have been just as easily filmed in Georgia (or perhaps more easily). Nonetheless, it's a good-looking trailer. The film looks to be sticking pretty close to the source material and the sprawling cast looks as strong as it should.

Savannah: "We Need to Talk About Kevin" (****1/2)

Tilda Swinton and John C. Reilly star in "We Need to Talk About Kevin"

Ever since Scottish director Lynne Ramsay's “We Need to Talk About Kevin” premiered to critical acclaim in Cannes this past May, I've been one of many with high, high hopes. Going back to 2008 when star Tilda Swinton won her Best Supporting Actress Academy Award for “Michael Clayton,” I was a bit of a sore loser over her beating out Cate Blanchett's Bob Dylan in “I'm Not There.” I think Swinton is a gifted actress, but I've only really become a fan with her post-Oscar roles. Her stunning performance in “Kevin” is all the more rewarding because it anchors such a powerful film.

Red film tape

Atlanta mayor Kasim Reed

You might have heard about Atlanta mayor Kasim Reed's proposal to create a centralized film commission within the city government. Film crews currently go to each sector of government they need to deal with for specific permissions (street closures, park usage, etc.) but Reed's plan would allow them to deal with only one office for any necessary permits and permissions. While this plan could mean less of a hassle for some, it might mean more permit fees, red tape and hangups for others.

What do you think?

WABE

Savannah: "Butter" (**1/2)

Jennifer Garner stars in "Butter"

“Butter” hasn't received much press until just now as it is hitting the festival circuit. A trailer has yet to be seen and a release date has only recently been nailed down. All we knew about it was that the cast is full of good names, it is a satire built around a butter-carving competition and that director Jim Field Smith is only known for by-the-numbers romantic comedy “She's Out of My League.” But somewhere, somehow, the name “Juno” was mumbled by someone and comparisons were just waiting to be made.

Savannah: "Inuk" (****)

Ole Jørgen Hammeken stars in "Inuk"

Considering Greenland's first feature film production was 2009's “Nummioq,” I was likely not alone when I confessed to never having seen a Greenlandic movie before. (I must admit that I had to look up whether the correct demonym was 'Greenlandish' or 'Greenlandic.') That changed recently after watching “Inuk.” Director Mike Magidson created an energetic look at both a boy and a culture in modern Greenland as they each undergo dynamic changes.

Georgia's Film Guide

Perhaps I am being a bit presumptuous by proclaiming this brand new website as "Georgia's Film Guide." However, I have looked long and hard and haven't found any other single website that focuses solely on Georgia's bustling film industry. And there is a lot to talk about!

Last week, I attended four film screenings at Georgia's most glamorous film festival, the Savannah Film Festival. In just a few more months, both the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival and the Atlanta Film Festival will ramp up. These festivals have maintained incredible growth year after year with tens of thousands of tickets sold at each. Other festivals can be found around the state, such as the Rome International Film Festival and the Macon Film Festival.

A few years ago, Georgia's lawmakers passed tax credit legislation for filmmakers. Up to 30% of production costs can be saved by shooting in Georgia and with such geographic diversity throughout the state, I don't know why studios wouldn't film here! At any moment, Hollywood's biggest names can be spotted all over the state.

There is a lot to keep up with. I will do my best in breaking Georgia film news, sharing my reviews, showcasing Georgia's film festivals and keeping track of Oscar buzz throughout the year. Stay tuned!