ABOUT THE FILM

The Jewish Atlanta COVID-19 story is something no one could have imagined.

Capturing the can-do spirit of a community tested by adversity, this moving look at the COVID-19 pandemic tells how Jewish Atlanta responded with unprecedented charity and creativity. From religious rituals to lifecycle events, the anomalous global health crisis changed daily living in ways big and small. Despite complex challenges, local leaders, institutions and regular citizens innovated and adapted to a new virtual means of existence. Months of isolation and quarantine were further exacerbated by civil unrest, with the Jewish community adding its voice to the Black Lives Matter movement. Though the COVID story is by no means over, the filmmakers find stories of resiliency and optimism even in the darkest days of 2020, offering inspiration for a brighter future.

This film is dedicated to Atlanta’s remarkable Jewish Community and highlights the resilience, optimism, and can-do approach of its many organizations, professionals, and lay leaders.

Themes

The film will feature many different aspects of Jewish life in Atlanta affected by COVID-19 including:

Rituals - weddings, funerals, bris/baby namings, b'nai mitzvot, etc.
Spirituality - religious observance, synagogue life, Shabbat, holidays, etc.
Youth and Education - schools, Jewish camps, social distance dating
Organizations - synagogues, arts & entertainment, virtual programming, Birthright Israel, interfaith coalition building
Political and Community Building- city leaders, elections & voting, protests
Medical - CDC, mental health, first-responders
Business and Economic - food & beverage, real estate, sports, GA film industry

The Team

Adam Hirsch, Jacob Ross and Gabby Leon Spatt—all accomplished young adult leaders in the Atlanta Jewish Community—have the vision to create a film that will explore and preserve this unique chapter in the story of Jewish Atlanta.

Adam, an Emmy-award winner, and Jacob are experienced filmmakers and have had several of their documentaries premiere at the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, including No Pork on the Fork and Tuesdays are for Burekas.

Airings

Premiere at Atlanta Jewish Film Festival 2021
Will apply to film festivals, particularly Jewish-oriented
Additional distribution opportunities post-premiere including online viewings

Fundraising

Donors will be acknowledged as producers or supporters of the film at various levels.