Your 2025 Audience Award Winners

After 16 days of in-theater screenings and an extended 10-day streaming window, the 25th annual Atlanta Jewish Film Festival (AJFF) has officially come to a close—marking a milestone year of film, culture, and community. As we reflect on this extraordinary edition, we are thrilled to announce the highly anticipated Audience Award winners, recognizing the films that resonated most with festivalgoers.

Why Audience Awards Matter

Since its inception in 2000, the AJFF Audience Awards have served as the festival’s version of the People’s Choice Awards, giving audiences the power to champion their favorite films. Unlike jury-selected winners, these awards provide filmmakers with valuable industry recognition, helping them secure broader distribution, increased awareness, and greater success in the marketplace.

This year, votes were cast both via paper ballots at screenings and through the new AJFF Mobile App, with over 400 users submitting votes digitally—bringing festivalgoer engagement to a new level.

“The Audience Awards are a testament to the power of storytelling and the profound impact these films have on our audiences,” said Kenny Blank, AJFF’s Executive and Artistic Director. “These are the films that spark conversation, linger in our thoughts, and stay with us long after the credits roll. As we celebrate our 25th festival, we are grateful for the passionate engagement of our audiences and the filmmakers who continue to inspire, challenge, and move us.”

A Festival to Remember: Expanding Our Impact

The 25th annual AJFF was more than just a celebration—it was a testament to the festival’s growing impact in the Jewish and independent film landscape. This year featured:

• 50 Feature Films & 14 Shorts from 22 Countries over 26 Days
• 88 Screenings at 6 Iconic Atlanta Venues
• 69 Unique Film Introductions by Community Voices
• 36 International Guests Hosted from Israel, Brazil, the UK & Beyond
• 35 Streaming Titles available to audiences Across Georgia
• 34 Live Q&As with Film Artists from Around the World
• 5 “In Conversation” Talkbacks featuring Special Guests
• Field Trip Screening with participation from 17 Public & Private Schools
• Direct-to-Classroom Streaming engaged 200+ High School Students

Laying the Foundation for the Future: The AJFF Filmmaker Fund

The success of these films and the audience’s active participation underscore AJFF’s commitment to Jewish storytelling, leading to the launch of the AJFF Filmmaker Fund. This initiative, a key pillar of the Kenny Blank Vision Initiative (KBVI), is part of a $2.5 million growth campaign designed to reposition AJFF beyond its flagship festival into a year-round Jewish cultural institution.

By investing in emerging filmmakers, AJFF aims to foster new voices, amplify untold stories, and ensure Jewish narratives continue to inspire generations.

Looking Ahead: A Historic Year Continues

As AJFF closes its 25th Anniversary Festival, the momentum continues. On October 20, 2025, the festival will present the AJFF 25th Anniversary Gala Concert in collaboration with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) and Turner Classic Movies (TCM). Hosted by Ben Mankiewicz, this one-night-only event will feature iconic scores from classic and contemporary Jewish cinema, bringing film and music lovers together for an unforgettable experience.

With an eye on the future, AJFF remains steadfast in its mission—to uplift Jewish stories, inspire diverse audiences, and foster meaningful conversations through film.

For more festival highlights and updates on future programming, stay tuned at AJFF.org.