What to See at the 2016 Atlanta Jewish Film Festival

The largest Jewish film festival in the world returns for its Sweet Sixteen. Here is a list of titles for you to check out during the 23-day event.

We love that each new year of the Georgia film festival circuit kicks off with the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. The city's most widely attended film event stretches out over three weeks at eight different venues across Midtown Atlanta, Buckhead, Alpharetta, Marietta, Vinings and Sandy Springs. No film festival in the state packs the house as consistently as AJFF and we are looking forward to joining in the opening night ceremonies on Tuesday, January 26 at the Cobb Energy Centre.

This year's lineup is as strong as ever, with films pouring in from all over the world and covering all sorts of thematic ground. Whether you want academic documentaries, Israeli award-winners, Japanese biopics, romantic comedies, musicals or whatever else you can think of—AJFF '16 has it.

We've compiled a long list of films you must see this year! See our picks after the jump.

The Short Circuit: Live Action Oscar Nominees

With only two days to go before the Oscars grace our screens, you're running out of time to see what you haven't already. Worry not, dear reader—as far as the less circulated, harder-to-find short films are concerned, we've got your back. The Academy assembles the nominated shorts according to category and distributes them to certain theaters nationwide, typically those driven by independent film; only four in the Atlanta Metro area have screenings. I saw all five at Lefont this evening and will now rank them from least favorite to favorite. Fair warning: as I have little interest in Academy politics, this list points not to an official prediction but to an official preference. Check those little boxes at your own risk!

Atlanta Jewish Film Festival kicks off its 15th Edition with "Above and Beyond" (****)

An image from "Above and Beyond."

Tonight, the 15th annual Atlanta Jewish Film Festival kicks off at the Cobb Energy Centre in Vinings. Following a luxurious gala event, a screening of "Above and Beyond" will play to an audience of several thousand.

"Above and Beyond," directed by Roberta Grossman and produced by Nancy Spielberg, tells the little-known story of the group of young men who volunteered to help create the Israeli Air Force following World War II. The documentary explores historical, factual happenings as told by the actual men involved. Filled with nostalgic disbelief and whole-hearted appreciation for one another, the men (now in their 70s and 80s) recall their experiences and walk us through this immensely important time in Jewish history. The outcome is a moving and engrossing story of bravery, loyalty and faith.

What to See at the 2015 Atlanta Jewish Film Festival

Six continents are represented across dozens of narratives, documentaries and short films in this diverse program from the 15th edition of the Southeast's largest film festival. Here are 23 films you need to see this year.

In its 15-year history, the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival has risen to the top of Georgia's and the Southeast's film festival circuits in terms of both attendees and expansive programming. Now spanning 25 days of film screenings at 7 venues—plus numerous parties—AJFF is one of the most well orchestrated and highly publicized events in the state each year.

This year's program offers the same great range in international Jewish or Jewish-interest films we've come to expect from the festival. You certainly don't have to be Jewish to attend or to enjoy these films; the festival's biggest hurdle being that of reaching beyond their obvious clientele. All that simply matters for you to enjoy AJFF is that you must like great films!

Whether you check out Israel's biggest hit films from the last year (Golden Globe nominee "Gett: The Trial of Viviane Amsalem" or "Zero Motivation") or you want to educate yourself through a variety of non-fiction films ("Above All Else," "Raise the Roof"), there is something for everyone. There are world premieres ("Dough") and special anniversary screenings ("Avalon," "The Shop on Main Street").

The 15th annual Atlanta Jewish Film Festival kicks off next Wednesday, January 28th at the Cobb Energy Center and runs through February 19th at several different venues in Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Marietta and Alpharetta.

Check out nearly two dozen of our picks for this year's festival!

Strong showing for docs at 2013 Macon Film Festival

Clockwise from top left: "AKA Blondie," "Six Million and One,"
"Code of the West," "Death of a Cemetery"

For the first time at any fest since launching Reel Georgia, I screened more documentaries than narrative features at this year's Macon Film Festival. You've already seen my reviews for Louisiana docs "Tchoupitoulas" and "The Man Who Ate New Orleans," but four more docs in the lineup also impressed. The 2012 Atlanta Film Festival's biggest hit was "AKA Blondie," which was just as big of a success in Macon last month. Israeli Holocaust documentary "Six Million and One" and Montana marijuana documentary "Code of the West" each made their case and the Best Documentary Feature winner, "Death of a Cemetery," presented a compelling look at the living residents of the Manila North Cemetery.

AJFF Review: "The World is Funny" (***)

Or Ben-Melech, Eli Finish, Asi Levi, Danny Steg, Naama Shitrit
and Moshe Ashkenazi star in "The World is Funny"

Tiberias is a gritty and beautiful city situated on the sun-drenched western shores of the Sea of Galilee. A hotspot for Christian pilgrims and global tourists, the relatively small city bustles with activity. "The World is Funny" is the first Israeli feature I've seen that takes place in Tiberias and it captures the town's warmth while keeping the focus on the community, not the resort destination. It's pretty easy to see why "The World is Funny" was huge box office hit in Israel. Featuring a large, goodlooking ensemble dealing with modern day, relatable problems– the commercial appeal is undeniable.

What to see at the 2013 Macon Film Festival

The first leg of Georgia's film festival circuit is about to kick off with the always robust Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. But after the AJFF begins and before it ends, another Georgia gem will take place. The 8th annual Macon Film Festival (MaGa) will run from February 14th through the 17th, just three weeks away! I saw some good films, met some fun people, ate some delicious food and took many great walks around town last February and look forward to getting to do it all over again this year.

The Macon Film Festival is similar to the Rome International Film Festival (RIFF) in both age and size, although I can see the big dreams and ambitions of the MaGa board propelling the fest into the reach of a broader audience within the next few years. This year, several documentaries and features look promising and the festival always offers a wide variety of short films worth looking into. The special gala presentations (one each night) are still being announced, but they usually bring one or two stars into town. Last year, veteran character actress Beth Grant ("The Artist," "Donnie Darko," "No Country for Old Men") and Macon native Carrie Preston ("Duplicity," "That's What She Said," "True Blood") showcased some of their work.

After the jump, I've highlighted several films worth checking out. A few films have played at other festivals, including both RIFF and the Atlanta Film Festival, while others are fresh out of the editing room.

AJFF Review bundle: "Free Men" (***1/2), "Restoration" (****1/2), "2 Night" (***)

Tahar Rahim and Louna Klanit star in "Free Men"

"Free Men" possesses both the same star, Tahar Rahim, and the same firm atmosphere as Jacques Audiard's 2009 film "A Prophet," but little else. Beautifully set and shot, the film only really suffers from too little in terms of subplot. With a little more editing and some of the fat trimmed, this wouldn't have been much of a problem, as the story and the actors are well worth your time. Rahim and Michael Lonsdale, who was one of my favorite parts about Steven Spielberg's magnificent "Munich," are exceptional. 3.5 out of 5 stars.


"Restoration" and "2 Night" after the jump.

AJFF: "My Lovely Sister" (***1/2)

Moshe Ivgy and Evelin Hagoel star in "My Lovely Sister"

"My Lovely Sister" is a colorful film by Marco Carmel about a family of Moroccan-Israeli Jews, an under-represented commodity in Israeli cinema. The movie's exotic flavor comes complete with sun-baked contrast, textured music and beautiful performances. Evelin Hagoel, as the film's lead, gives one the best performances I've seen at this year's Atlanta Jewish Film Festival for which she deservedly won an Ophir Award for Best Actress.

"Rabies" out on DVD tomorrow!

While I'm sad it didn't get a theatrical release in America, I'm thrilled that "Rabies" is out on DVD tomorrow. Israel's first horror film (and so much more) is one of my favorite films in years. I can't wait to see more by filmmakers Aharon Keshales and Navot Papushado. Check out my review of the film from the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival and order your DVD here.

AJFF: "Rabies" (*****)

Ofer Shechter, Yael Grobglas, Ran Danker and Ania Bukstein star in "Rabies"

Marketing "Rabies" as Israel's first horror film is a smart move, although labeling a film as 'horror' usually limits the public's perception. "Rabies" is a horror film, perhaps the best I've ever seen; but it must not be exclusively labeled as such. The genre is full of copycat films, flash-in-the-pan trends, remakes and movies made for sheer shock value. This film is simply too good to be counted as just another one of those. An instantaneous cult classic, "Rabies" is the first narrative feature I've had the pleasure of awarding a five-star rating.

AJFF: "The Flood" (****)

Michael Moshonov and Yoav Rotman star in "The Flood"

A good film is even better when it wasn't on your radar to begin with. Although I had heard of "Mabul" (released here as "The Flood"), my knowledge was limited. Perhaps it got lost in the wave of strong films that came out of Israel in 2010, featuring the likes of "The Human Resources Manager," "Intimate Grammar" and "The Matchmaker."

AJFF: "Intimate Grammar" (****1/2)

Roee Elsberg and Evelyn Kaplun star in "Intimate Grammar"

Many great films polarize their audience more than a presidential election. Take 2011, for instance. We had "The Tree of Life," "Melancholia" and "The Artist" seemingly split audiences down the middle between undying love and intense hatred. "Intimate Grammar" seems to be one of these films. While it is usually easier to tell why so many people fail to connect with a film that is loved by some; in this case, I just can't figure it out.

Nir Bergman's "Intimate Grammar," based on a beloved 1991 novel by David Grossman, is a beautiful film. While not an overly complicated film, each character boils over with complexities and the growing pains of a young nation are mirrored in the growing pains, both physical and emotional, of a young boy.

AJFF: "This is Sodom" (***)

Assi Cohen stars in "This Is Sodom"

"This is Sodom" managed to shatter all sorts of box office records, going on to become Israel's highest grossing film in nearly 30 years. The film was produced out of Israeli TV hit "Eretz Nehederet," a sketch show similar to "Saturday Night Live," so it is no wonder the film's outrageous humor covers all the bases; raunch, slapstick and satire.

AJFF: "Incessant Visions" (*****)

Filmmaker Duki Dror recreates Mendelsohn's sketches throughout the film.

Equal parts 'film nerd' and 'architecture nerd,' I was always going to love this film. I already counted myself as a fan even before having seen it. A film about a deservedly renowned architect doesn't get released without catching my attention. (Can "How Much Does Your Building Weigh, Mr. Foster?" please get released soon?)

What makes "Incessant Visions" so wonderful is that it's not just a film about Erich Mendelsohn's work, it's about his life, his marriage and his passion. The film beautifully renders a picture of the icon's brilliance and his personality. This remarkable documentary receives my first five-star review.

Let's talk about "Rabies"

Check out more about "Rabies" and the Young Professionals party at this year's Atlanta Jewish Film Festival.

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