The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival (AJFF) has announced the jury winners for its 2025 festival.
The festival announced the winners at its closing night ceremony, which featured a screening of the Brazilian film “Cheers to Life” at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center. This year’s AJFF jury was composed of filmmakers, journalists, students and industry experts.
The winners are as follows:
- Narrative Feature: “Pink Lady,” directed by Nir Bergman
- Documentary Feature: “Riefenstahl,” directed by Andres Veiel
- Short Film: “The Sacred Society,” directed by Benny Zelkowicz
- Building Bridges Award: “Ain’t No Back to a Merry-Go-Round,” directed by Ilana Trachtman
- Human Rights Award: “Sapir,” directed by Liran Atzmor
- Emerging Filmmaker: Tom Nesher for “Come Closer”
In addition to these awards, AJFF’s Audience Awards are still up for grabs. The Audience Awards include Narrative Feature, Documentary Feature, and Short Film, according to a press release. Viewers can cast votes through the AJFF Mobile App. The deadline to vote is March 16.
According to the release, AJFF also announced an upcoming event during the closing night ceremony. On Oct. 20, AJFF will host a one-night-only concert hosted by Turner Classic Movies’ Ben Mankiewicz. The event will feature a live performance from the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra of iconic film scores from classic and contemporary Jewish cinema.
“We are honored to partner with AJFF as they celebrate 25 years of impact on the Atlanta community,” said Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Executive Director Jennifer Barlament in the release. “Just as the harmony of music and drama music heightens the emotion of all great films, this event, featuring the coming together of two of the leaders of Atlanta’s cultural community each bringing our respective strengths, will create an unforgettable evening.”
Viewers who missed in-person screenings of the festival can still enjoy the festival virtually. Virtual screenings of AJFF films begin March 7 and run until March 16. Tickets can be purchased online.
