AJFF In Conversation: The Jewish Film Podcast

In this podcast series, the voices of the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival engage listeners in an entertaining and illuminating discussion with some of the most fascinating Jewish artists, filmmakers, and writers working in or around cinema. Hosted by AJFF staff, each episode will feature a special guest, and showcase exemplary films, from past AJFF favorites, to hidden gems, new releases and classics.

Not to Be Missed: AJFF 2022 02/14/2022

Not to Be Missed: AJFF 2022 The 2022 Annual Festival is finally here, and with 50+ films from 18 countries, it may well be our best lineup ever. But the road to this year's festival was twisting, with lots of sharp turns and obstacles, and ultimately involved a pivot from a hybrid festival to a virtual exclusive experience. Hear from festival director, Kenny Blank, and AJFF president, Sari Earl, as Brad explores how we got here, and why the 2022 AJFF is not to be missed. /episode/index/show/ajffinconversation/id/22125185

What to Watch July 2021 07/30/2021

What to Watch July 2021 July may be coming to a close, but chances are, you are still catching up on all the Jewish content that came out this month on physical media and streaming platforms, because there was a lot. With that, Sara and Brad are back to chat about what to watch as of this month, from buzzworthy reality television, to suspenseful AJFF alums with star power, to classics and controversial commercial titles and more. There is something for just about everyone on this list - and even some titles that aren't within go-to genres or comfort zones of your humble hosts, which makes for some great discussion. Some of these may have slipped under your radar, so tune in as we recap and recommend what to watch from this month. /episode/index/show/ajffinconversation/id/19975859

Nora Ephron Appreciation Society 07/23/2021

Nora Ephron Appreciation Society Nora Ephron was a trailblazing female filmmaker, especially when it came to romantic comedies, with directorial efforts like Sleepless in Seattle and You've Got Mail. Even more prolific as a screenwriter, she penned those two films plus a dozen others, including the iconic When Harry Met Sally, the classic Jewish rom com that transcended stereotypes about the genre. Yet her name does not necessarily come up as often as male writer-directors. Sara and Brad are here to help correct that, diving into what made her work so meaningful, what made her prose so memorable, and what to make of her legacy, as a filmmaker, an essayist, a journalist, and a foodie. And here to help is Eleanor Ringel-Cater, Pulitzer Prize-nominated former film critic for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. /episode/index/show/ajffinconversation/id/19911425

AJFF Selects: The Red Orchestra Q&A 07/16/2021

AJFF Selects: The Red Orchestra Q&A Enjoy this exclusive Q&A with filmmaker Carl-Ludwig Rettinger, moderated by Holocaust historian Dr. Deborah Lipstadt. Rettinger’s docudrama film “The Red Orchestra” chronicles a network of activist spies within the Third Reich. Carefully excerpted film clips of the early 1970s, interspersed with archival footage and interviews with the descendants of the Red Orchestra, work together to create a fresh account of the courageous men and women who played a decisive role in the outcome of the war. /episode/index/show/ajffinconversation/id/19827590

Welcome Back, Playback! 07/01/2021

Welcome Back, Playback! We talked about AJFF's upcoming programs, including Playback, last episode. But we want to talk more about Playback, especially since it's back in just a couple weeks. Launched last year as part of our 20th anniversary, this online competition invites you to rediscover films from the festival vault and vote for your favorites. Returning on July 12, Playback will feature eight films around the theme of "reunion", and tickets have just gone on sale. So join Sara as she chats with AJFF Film Programming Manager Shellie Schmals, and learn even more about AJFF's own version of March Madness... in... July. /episode/index/show/ajffinconversation/id/19673405

AJFF Summer 2021 Preview 06/25/2021

AJFF Summer 2021 Preview Heading into the depths of summer there’s a lot going on at AJFF. From Selects to Connects to Playback, we have a World War II spy doc, a gripping portrait of gay adoption, and seven weeks of films matching up to win your vote. Sara and Brad will help you navigate it all, so you don’t miss a minute of AJFF over the next few weeks. /episode/index/show/ajffinconversation/id/19605941

In Search of the Jewish Blockbuster 06/17/2021

In Search of the Jewish Blockbuster Summer movie season is officially here, with big studio tentpoles finally hitting theaters – and many moviegoers finally willing to enter the hallowed ground of their local cineplex. Action franchises and family-friendly adventures do not typically boast Jewish themes, of course, which made us wonder whether there are, in fact, any Jewish blockbusters? What would that even look like? Perhaps a film from the blockbusters arguable inventor, Steven Spielberg? Perhaps starring the Jewish meme-star Jeff Goldblum? Returning to the podcast to help us sort this out is Senior Editor of Collider, and our resident expert on summer movies, Matt Goldberg. For a type of movie that wouldn't seem to have a Jewish connection, there is a lot to discuss. /episode/index/show/ajffinconversation/id/19516019

Q&As at AJFF: SUBLET 06/10/2021

Q&As at AJFF: SUBLET A Q&A Panel from the 2021 Atlanta Jewish Film Festival for the film, Sublet. In this warmly affecting cross-generational melodrama, a middle-aged gay American writer numbed by tragedy finds solace in the company of a younger Israeli man. Sublet will be released in theaters in the U.S. on June 11 2021. Listener warning: the Q&A contains spoilers for the film. /episode/index/show/ajffinconversation/id/19372109

What to Watch in June 2021 06/04/2021

What to Watch in June 2021 It's the beginning of another month, so it's time to figure out what to stream (or venture to theaters for) over the next few weeks. The theme for June? A month for reconnecting with classics, from 1980’s Best Picture to a modern remake of a Mel Brooks classic, with plenty of quintessentially Jewish filmmaking in between. Plus new indie gems hit theaters in the middle of the month. Listen along as Sara and Brad dissect what to watch for June 2021! /episode/index/show/ajffinconversation/id/19353770

AJFF Selects: Stand! Exclusive Q&A Panel 05/27/2021

AJFF Selects: Stand! Exclusive Q&A Panel AJFF's Selects series is more of what you love about the annual festival, and this past month, with our first Selects program of the season, our audience got to see Stand! in our Virtual Cinema: a stirring cross-cultural musical, in which a young immigrant couple finds romance on the streets of 1919 Winnipeg, as they battle for a better life amidst violent social upheaval. The Canadian film stars Marshall Williams from Glee, and Atlanta’s very own, Laura Slade Wiggins from Shameless in the lead Romeo and Juliet type roles. Marshall and Laura joined us for an exclusive Q&A panel, along with Juno-award-winning Writer/Composer Danny Schur, which you will hear on this episode of the podcast. /episode/index/show/ajffinconversation/id/19264760

Film 101: Extra Credit 05/13/2021

Film 101: Extra Credit It's pop quiz time, with film terms and definitions. Listeners who tuned in to last week’s episode about what makes a film good – and who gets to determine that, anyway – got a mini crash course in film fundamentals. But with so many key questions to cover around classics, cult hits, quality and canon, Brad and Sara wanted to take another episode to dive even deeper into some of the terminology of cinema. So join your hosts as they offer some additional definitions and unconventional examples of everything from editing to cinematography and to the ever elusive mise-en-scène. /episode/index/show/ajffinconversation/id/19094522

Film 101: Appreciating the Cinema Arts 05/06/2021

Film 101: Appreciating the Cinema Arts Discriminating audiences know a great work of cinema when they see it. And festivalgoers have high expectations for the quality of film we present annually at AJFF and year-round programs. But what are the ingredients and traits that make for exceptional filmmaking? For audiences seeking to fine-tune and expand their palate, a deeper awareness and understanding of the creative building blocks of cinematic stories can greatly enhance their viewing experience. An expert in hard-to-find cult germs from her perch with TCM Underground, Turner Classic Movies programmer Millie De Chirico joins our latest podcast for a larger industry perspective on some intriguing big picture questions and hot topics. Who are arbiters of taste, and who decides a movie’s status in the canon of film history? What’s the definition of a classic vs. a cult hit? Where are lines blurred between objective and subjective quality? Plus, what are some specific examples of Jewish film works you may have missed? Join hosts Sara and Brad as we find out! /episode/index/show/ajffinconversation/id/19008335

Road to the Oscars: From AJFF to the Big Night 04/29/2021

Road to the Oscars: From AJFF to the Big Night The pinnacle of the awards season has now come to a close, with the 93rd Academy Awards. Like every film industry event and awards show during the pandemic, this year’s Oscar telecast had its own unique spin on reinventing a traditional format for COVID times. It’s been a particularly exciting time for Jewish-themed film and television programming, with a number of such titles being recognized and honored. Among them: an Israeli short, White Eye, which was nominated for Best Live-Action Short Film at the Oscars and screened at the most recent 2021 edition of the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. For this episode of our In Conversation podcast, host Sara Glassberg had the opportunity to speak with the film’s director, Tomer Shushan, in an interview recorded just days before the big night, to learn more about the film’s journey from inception, to production, to the film festival circuit, and eventually the Academy Awards. /episode/index/show/ajffinconversation/id/18917402

ATLFF Preview & Film Festivals in COVID Times 04/22/2021

ATLFF Preview & Film Festivals in COVID Times As the pandemic continues to reshape the ways we experience arts and entertainment, the worldwide circuit of film festivals is among those reimaging how to connect with and best serve audiences under highly unique circumstances. Even as vaccinations increase and cinemas slowly reopen, film festival programmers are channeling new levels of ingenuity and agility in presenting their lineups in the age of COVID. For an insider look at how festivals are pivoting, we’ve invited the Atlanta Film Society’s executive Director Chris Escobar to share his perspective, plus a sneak preview of the 45th edition of the Atlanta Film Festival, now underway. Learn about the not-to-be-missed films and innovative experiences of ATLFF, plus an outlook on where the industry goes from here during a year of transition. Join your hosts Sara and Brad for AJFF and ATLFF in conversation! /episode/index/show/ajffinconversation/id/18826331

What to Watch in April 2021 04/15/2021

What to Watch in April 2021 Welcome back to a new season of AJFF In Conversation: The Jewish Film Podcast. Hosts Sara and Brad are back from the 2021 Atlanta Jewish Film Festival and brief post-festival hiatus feeling rested and ready to bring you more interviews, deep-dive discussions, and much more, beginning this week with some recommendations of what Jewish movies and media to watch. From Hollywood historical dramas to classic sitcoms and past AJFF documentaries, this month’s episode includes a variety of suggestions for your viewing pleasure both at-home or, finally, in theatres, for those who are comfortable returning to cinemas. /episode/index/show/ajffinconversation/id/18741962

All About the AJFF Jury 03/05/2021

All About the AJFF Jury Each year, the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival bestows special recognition to outstanding films and filmmakers participating in its annual international celebration of the cinema arts. In Competition titles vie for honors across six Jury Prize categories, including Best Narrative, Documentary, and Short, as well as Building Bridges, Human Rights, and Emerging Filmmaker. These prestigious prizes are deliberated by an esteemed panel of industry luminaries, including fellow filmmakers, actors, film critics and journalists, academics, and exceptional students. Joining our In Conversation podcast to talk about the importance of Jury Prizes to audiences, filmmakers and the festival’s mission, we’ll talk with AJFF Jury chairperson Gabe Wardell. It’s also a chance to learn about which AJFF films are in contention this year, our impressive roster of jurors, plus a preview of the big Awards Show, coming up Wednesday March 10. So join host Sara and her special guest as we get ready to find out who the winners are! /episode/index/show/ajffinconversation/id/18205292

Q&As at AJFF: Kiss Me Kosher 02/24/2021

Q&As at AJFF: Kiss Me Kosher One of the biggest silver linings of a hybrid edition of the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival is the ability to bring film talent together from all around the world in an even more robust way than in a typical year. There is perhaps no better example of that than our opening night. We kicked off the 2021 AJFF with the North American premiere of boundary-crossing (and bridge building) romantic comedy, Kiss Me Kosher, and were able to virtually host talent from across multiple time zones for a lively conversation that spanned the globe, from LA to Hawaii to Tel Aviv to Berlin. Listen to the Q&A which featured writer/director, Shirel Peleg, producer Christine Guenther, and the film’s stars, Moran Rosenblatt, Luise Wolfram, John Carroll Lynch, and Rivka Michaeli, and moderated by CNN Correspondent Holly Firfer. And you’ll hear from hosts Brad and Sara about some other guest highlights and upcoming not-to-be-missed panel discussions, and how to watch them. /episode/index/show/ajffinconversation/id/18075437

AJFF at the Drive-In 02/13/2021

AJFF at the Drive-In Though audiences will experience most of this year’s Atlanta Jewish Film Festival in the Virtual Cinema, organizers were also committed to finding fun and innovative ways to safely bring the community together. Thus, plans for a night at the drive-in were born! Three nights, actually. Thanks to an exclusive partnership with Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the 2021 AJFF will feature screenings at the 11-acre greenspace, The Home Depot Backyard. This safe-but-shared moviegoing experience, set against a spectacular backdrop, will include Young Professionals Night and the SXSW comedy of discomfort, Shiva Baby, plus a pair of campy, kitschy 80s classics: Mel Brooks’ Spaceballs and the musical comedy Little Shop of Horrors. To learn more about the drive-in experience AJFF has in store for you at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, including some special extras, join our latest podcast as host Sara is joined by our drive-in event planners, Film AJFF Programming Manager Shellie Schmals and Event Operations Manager Chris Holland. /episode/index/show/ajffinconversation/id/17936621

Professors' Picks 2021 02/07/2021

Professors' Picks 2021 We’re counting down to the start of this year’s Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, and here to help you get ready for our hybrid 21st edition. By now, you may have perused the film lineup in the AJFF program guide or website. With such a diverse array of international and independent movies to pick from, it’s not always easy to choose. Our latest podcast turns to two trusted voices: Emory Film Studies Chair Dr. Matthew Bernstein and AJFF Board member, as well as AJFF Film Evaluation Co-Chair and Emory Spanish and Jewish Studies Professor Dr. Hazel Gold. As you prepare to make your movie picks, we can’t think of better festival friends to guide you through the 38 feature narrative and documentary films (and don’t forget the shorts!), coming soon to the best seat in your house. /episode/index/show/ajffinconversation/id/17856485

A Chat With AJFF Leadership 01/30/2021

A Chat With AJFF Leadership Our hybrid 21st edition of the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival is nearly here! The movie lineup has been unveiled online, program guides are arriving in mailboxes…and now, it’s time for you to get ready to fest! With so much to explore and anticipate, there is no better way to usher in the annual festival than to hear directly from our very own festival leadership. Join podcast host Sara for a conversation with AJFF Board president and vice president, Max Leventhal and Sari Earl, as well as AJFF Executive Director Kenny Blank. They’ll share their reflections on the extraordinary challenges of mounting a film festival during the pandemic, as well as the festival experiences they are most excited to share with the community. It’s a unique behind-the-scenes vantagepoint on what has been an extraordinary undertaking and labor of love in service to you, our devoted audience. /episode/index/show/ajffinconversation/id/17746457

Get Ready to Fest! 01/20/2021

Get Ready to Fest! The 21st edition of the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival is right around the corner. It’s going to be a film festival unlike any other. As anticipation builds, so do the burning questions. How will this year’s film festival be different, and what do I need to do to get ready? Get the inside scoop on what to expect with our reimagined festival experience, including the Virtual Cinema, before program guides hit mailboxes and tickets go on sale. We’ll break it all down with In Conversation host Brad Pilcher, joined by our own AJFF Special Projects Manager, Sarah Davenport. After this podcast, you will definitely be ready to fest! /episode/index/show/ajffinconversation/id/17627972

Film in Georgia: 2020 and a Look Forward 12/28/2020

Film in Georgia: 2020 and a Look Forward It may be some time before the full global economic toll of the COVID-19 pandemic is fully understood. Certainly among those hard hit sectors is the world of entertainment, including what has been a booming film industry in Georgia. As a proud champion of the film ecosystem of our city and state, the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival is deeply appreciative of the countless artists and other workers whose livelihoods depend on the continued success of this near-$10 billion dollar industry. With the COVID crisis continuing to hinder Hollywood’s return to business, we close this challenging year with a look back at how local film and TV productions have been impacted. Our latest podcast also looks ahead to questions now facing the creative industries, such as studio COVID safety protocols and upcoming action in the legislature that could shape the future of the state’s film tax incentives. An amazing panel joins hosts Sara and Brad, including deputy commissioner of the Georgia Film, Music and Digital Entertainment office Lee Thomas, Georgia Production Partnership governmental affairs lead Peter Stathopoulos, and Beth Talbert of Eagle Rock Studios Atlanta. /episode/index/show/ajffinconversation/id/17345600

Festival of Lights on Film 12/16/2020

Festival of Lights on Film Let’s face it: if you’re looking for a great Hanukkah movie to celebrate with this winter, you’re likely to be left out in the cold. While Christmas movies are a genre of their own, it’s hard to credibly name one Hollywood offering that could be called a Hanukkah classic. Could it be that the only "true" Hanukkah movies in existence are Adam Sandler’s animated comedy Eight Crazy Nights and lesser known cult classic The Hebrew Hammer? And, do these films actually capture how the holiday’s true origins and traditions? Could a Disney Channel original movie made for kids actually feature the most authentic cinematic representation of Hanukkah? All three of these examples are nearly twenty years old now. It’s time to confront the truth about why it’s so hard to find a decent movie about the Jewish holiday. In our latest podcast, we’ll ask founder and editor of feminist Jewish culture site Alma, Molly Tolsky, whether it will take a miracle to find an authentic cinematic representation of the Miracle of Lights. /episode/index/show/ajffinconversation/id/17222135

What About Shorts? 12/10/2020

What About Shorts? For most audiences, a night out at the movies means a full course meal. But increasingly, tastes are growing for the diversionary delights and emotional payoffs that come with the oft overlooked short film format. The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival has long proudly given a platform to shorts, a subgenre every bit as powerful, compelling and innovative as any feature-length film. With another banner year of short films on tap for our 21st annual festival in February, it’s time to stop giving short shrift to short films. In our latest podcast, we give these bite size movie morsels their due, exploring everything from the creative considerations that go into shorts filmmaking, to the unique challenges and opportunities for programmers, and how audiences accustomed to Hollywood epics can grow their appreciation for the special joys that come with shorter attention spans. Hosts Sara and Brad welcome two amazing guests to the “In Conversation” studio: filmmaker and former Sundance programmer Roberta Munroe, author of “How Not to Make a Short Film,” as well as Emory film professor and shorts film curator Nsenga Burton. /episode/index/show/ajffinconversation/id/17140388

Be Our Guest 12/02/2020

Be Our Guest The best movies don’t just entertain while engendering a visceral emotional response, but also serve as a spark for stimulating conversation. The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival seeks to foster and amplify those conversations, bringing together the community in dialogue around the film arts and the important issues of our time. Festival screenings often feature the participation of filmmakers, actors, academics, authors, journalists and other experts. These curated conversations enhance the moviegoing experience, while fulfilling the AJFF mission to build bridges of understanding. In our latest podcast, we’ll share insights into AJFF’s programming philosophy when it comes to guest speakers: what is the value and importance of hearing from film artists and other voices at the film festival, and the larger role of community conversation in transforming an otherwise passive experience into a meaningful give and take of ideas. Host Sara Glassberg is joined by AJFF Guest Programming Co-Chairs journalist Dave Schechter and Emory Ethics professor Jonathan Crane. /episode/index/show/ajffinconversation/id/17041385

Jewish Film & TV to be Thankful For 11/25/2020

Jewish Film & TV to be Thankful For In a year that has been filled with unprecedented challenges, it’s all the more important to find things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Fortunately, when it comes to the world of Jewish film and television, there’s plenty to be grateful for. Join hosts Sara and Brad as they chat about just a few of their favorite TV and movie moments and milestones from 2020. Plus, if you’re looking for some entertainment options to complete your holiday plans, we’ve got some outstanding movie recommendations, both available now and soon-to-be new releases. /episode/index/show/ajffinconversation/id/16955093

AJFF Cinderella Stories with Menemsha 11/12/2020

AJFF Cinderella Stories with Menemsha Over the past twenty years, the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival has showcased countless films from all around the world that have gone on to have incredible, impressive journeys -- from long and lucrative theatrical runs to Academy Awards recognition to continuing to build bridges of understanding along the festival circuit. Many of these AJFF Cinderella stories come from film distributor, Menemsha Films. There is no better guest to help us uncover and understand these films’ journeys than Menemsha’s very own founder and president, Neil Friedman, and with AJFF Film Programming Manager Shellie Schmals co-hosting. Together with Neil, Shellie and Sara will not only discuss the successes around films like cross-cultural comedy Dough starring Jonathan Pryce, or sports documentary Heading Home: The Tale of Team Israel, but also films that are perhaps at just the beginning of their journeys, like Shared Legacies: The African American-Jewish Civil Rights Alliance, all of which have screened at AJFF in years past. Plus, we will chat with Neil about Menemsha’s own journey as well, from its beginnings as a film distribution company to its new streaming platform Chai Flicks and everything in between. /episode/index/show/ajffinconversation/id/16786154

Aaron Wolf: One Filmmaker’s Journey 11/04/2020

Aaron Wolf: One Filmmaker’s Journey A longtime friend of the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, Aaron Wolf has an eclectic young Hollywood career both in front of and behind the camera. Based in Los Angeles, he wears many showbiz hats: narrative and documentary filmmaker, writer, actor and co-founder of a full-service production company. You can also add podcast host, improv comedian, juggler, magician and voiceover talent to the list. Aaron has not only made a name for himself, but instills his work with a generous spirt and Jewish ethos. His short film, The Walk co-starring Peter Riegert, was featured at the 2015 AJFF, followed by his acclaimed 2017 documentary Restoring Tomorrow, which chronicles the restoration of Los Angeles’ Wilshire Boulevard Temple. His latest film might seem like a complete departure: a fun throwback horror movie entitled Tar, now playing on demand and in select theaters. For a fresh and inspiring perspective on an emerging industry talent, join host Sara Glassberg for her conversation with Aaron about his personal and creative journey. /episode/index/show/ajffinconversation/id/16685375

Oy the Horror! 10/28/2020

Oy the Horror! Halloween is here, a perfect time to spook ourselves with an immersion into the world of horror movies that tell uniquely Jewish stories. Israeli filmmakers have been among those most recently tackling the horror genre with such AJFF titles as the zombie flick JeruZalem, and a retelling of the classic folktale The Golem. A critically-acclaimed title from the Toronto International Film Festival, Demon, offers a modern-day take on the dybbuk legend while reflecting on Poland’s historical sins. From monsters and myths, to themes of religious or cultural identity, the collection of cinematic Jewish horror is surprising in its breadth and depth. And like the best horror movies, with psychological underpinnings rooted in our deepest fears and traumas. Joining our podcast conversation is B. Sonenreich, Editor-in-Chief of Oz Magazine (who has published and presented on the topic of the Shoah within horror cinema), and author Ed Simon who has written on Judaism and horror for publications like Tablet Magazine. Along with host Sara Glassberg, our special guests consider the theological and historical preoccupations of onscreen horror stories, and to what extent this genre is such an effective vehicle for exploring Jewish themes. /episode/index/show/ajffinconversation/id/16583975

The Politics of Aaron Sorkin and the West Wing 10/14/2020

The Politics of Aaron Sorkin and the West Wing Joining us for this edition of AJFF In Conversation: The Jewish Film Podcast, is very special guest Eli Attie, whose own time in politics and natural writing talent helped shape the much-beloved The West Wing, created by Aaron Sorkin. This fall, Sorkin is back with The Trial of the Chicago 7, based on the infamous court proceedings of seven defendants charged with conspiracy for their protests at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. He is also gathering the cast of The West Wing for a reunion special in support of voter turnout. Forays into the political have been a mainstay of Sorkin's work, beginning with A Few Good Men and The American President. Even when his films and TV shows have focused on sports, showbiz, or social networks, the tinge of politics finds a way in. Before the 2020 election season comes to a close, we dissect Sorkin's political preoccupations, and his vision of political idealism and civic virtue, best personified in the fictional Bartlet administration. /episode/index/show/ajffinconversation/id/16394684

AJFF In Conversation: The Jewish Film Podcast

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