A Legacy of Film and Music Returns
Fifteen years ago, in the midst of a rare Atlanta snowstorm, history was made. The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival (AJFF) partnered with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) and Turner Classic Movies (TCM) to present a groundbreaking event—the first major orchestral concert devoted entirely to Jewish-themed film scores. Despite treacherous weather conditions, the concert played to a sold-out audience, reaffirming the power of film and music to bring people together.
Now, in celebration of AJFF’s 25th anniversary, this extraordinary partnership is returning with a world-class Gala Concert on October 20 at Atlanta Symphony Hall. The event will feature legendary film scores performed live by the ASO, weaving together the rich musical and cinematic heritage of Jewish storytelling. Hosting the evening is none other than TCM’s Ben Mankiewicz, a longtime supporter of AJFF and an expert in classic cinema.
“I’ve been coming to the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival for years, and I couldn’t be more excited for this extraordinary celebration of film and music,” said TCM Primetime host Ben Mankiewicz. “Iconic scores from classic Jewish cinema performed live? That’s a night you don’t want to miss. No tuxedo required—just a love for great movies, unforgettable music, and some kvelling. And maybe just a little kvetching too.”
A Celebration of Jewish Musical and Cinematic Excellence
The connection between Jewish composers and film music is as timeless as the medium itself. The golden age of Hollywood film scores was shaped in part by European Jewish composers who fled persecution, bringing their classical training and storytelling instincts to the silver screen.
No composer embodied this artistic fusion more than Leonard Bernstein, the visionary behind West Side Story, On the Waterfront, and Candide. Bernstein believed deeply in the transcendent power of music, once saying: “Music can name the unnameable and communicate the unknowable.”
This ethos is at the heart of the 25th Anniversary Gala Concert, which will explore how film scores convey emotion, shape narratives, and preserve cultural history.
The concert will showcase some of the most iconic Jewish-themed film scores, much like the 2010 event, which featured music from Schindler’s List, Yentl, Exodus, Driving Miss Daisy, and more. This new program will introduce fresh selections while honoring the legacy of past performances, ensuring a one-of-a-kind experience.
Honoring an Icon: Itzhak Perlman’s Enduring Legacy
One of the most revered figures in classical and film music, Itzhak Perlman, was honored with the AJFF Icon Award for his contributions to Jewish cinema and culture. As the violinist behind John Williams’s Oscar-winning score for Schindler’s List, Perlman’s artistry defined one of the most poignant musical moments in film history.
Perlman’s legacy, along with the work of composers like Elmer Bernstein, John Williams, Jerry Goldsmith, and Alfred Newman, will be celebrated at the Gala Concert, reinforcing the profound impact of Jewish musicians on the film industry.
A Partnership That Stands the Test of Time
The reunion of AJFF, ASO, and TCM is more than just a concert—it’s a reaffirmation of a longstanding creative partnership that continues to evolve.
“The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and Turner Classic Movies represent a trifecta of world-class storytelling, cultural enrichment, and artistic excellence,” said Kenny Blank, AJFF’s executive & artistic director. “This partnership has deep roots, and it’s an honor to once again merge the power of film and live symphonic music in a way that is uniquely Atlanta.”
As AJFF moves into its next chapter as a year-round, always-on organization, this event highlights the festival’s commitment to celebrating Jewish culture through film, music, and immersive experiences.
An Unforgettable Night Awaits
Mark your calendars for Monday, October 20, at Atlanta Symphony Hall for a night that will blend timeless cinema, breathtaking live music, and unparalleled storytelling. This one-night-only event will be a centerpiece of AJFF’s 25th-anniversary celebration, uniting audiences through the universal language of film and music.
Stay tuned for ticketing details and more information, right here at AJFF.org.
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