The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival (AJFF) returned to the movie theater for the first time in 18 months with AJFF North, a mini-festival that occured from August 28-29. The festival combined in-theater and virtual screenings, made possible by the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta through their “Making Jewish Places” initiative. AJFF North brought the best in Jewish cinema directly to residents of Alpharetta, East Cobb, Johns Creek, Roswell, and surrounding North Metro communities.

Moviegoers enjoyed a diverse range of dramas, documentary, family-friendly fare, a Hollywood classic comedy, and even short films in a series of screenings at the Aurora Cineplex in Roswell, as well as via streaming in the AJFF Virtual Cinema.

In-person screenings at the Aurora Cineplex represented the festival’s first return to movie theaters since February 2020, and provided an opportunity for audiences to rediscover the joy of seeing films back on the big screen, as AJFF continues to plan for a larger theatrical experience at next year’s 22nd edition of the annual festival in February 2022.

“We’re thrilled to be the official venue for AJFF North,” Barbara Scoggins, Operations Manager of the Aurora Cineplex, said. “As the world starts going back to the movies, community events like this one provide us an opportunity to serve film lovers in the North Atlanta metro area and beyond.”

As AJFF continues to prioritize the safety of audiences and staff, organizers followed COVID protocols in accordance with CDC and local guidelines, as well as their theater partners. This included measures to encourage all audiences to wear masks inside the theatre venue, as well as social distancing during entry and exit from the theatre.

“After nearly two years of planning with our partners at Jewish Federation and community volunteers, AJFF North is a milestone initiative that both welcomes audiences back to theaters while also serving fans in North Metro neighborhoods,” AJFF Executive Director, Kenny Blank, said. “AJFF has always taken care to listen to the needs of the community, and this mini-festival further provides an opportunity to understand how the moviegoing experience will evolve as we plan for next year’s annual festival and beyond.”