To transcend boundaries of ethnicities, religious beliefs and cultures, there is nothing quite like a well-told story in film format.

That’s why the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival was founded. Now in its 13th year, the festival offers 22 days of cinema that explores Jewish life, both modern and historical.

The movies, which both entertain and educate, are shown at several venues, including Regal Cinemas North Point Market 8, 6500 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta.

“From both a programming and operations perspective, AJFF is committed to a community-wide celebration of film that reaches a diversity of audiences across the metro area. That includes moviegoers in northern markets such as Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Roswell, Duluth, and Norcross,” said Kenny Blank, the festival’s executive director.

“AJFF is also intergenerational, featuring genres, subject matter and filmmaking styles that appeal to young and old alike. Many of the festival films are hot off the international film festival circuit, and have the types of thrills, edginess, boldness and challenging material that would appeal to a twenty and thirty-something audience.”

The festival kicks off Jan. 30 with “Hava Nagila: The Movie,” a light-hearted documentary that traces the cultural journey of a Hebrew folk song to become of one of the most recognizable melodies worldwide.

The film begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. A gala preshow reception features food tastings by celebrity chefs and a silent auction of entertainment packages.

General admission for the film is $18plus a $2 Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Facility Fee. The Red Carpet VIP package that includes the gala is $300; $150 for ages 40 and under.

The rest of the film roster will be shown at various dates and times throughout February. Among several films scheduled at Regal North Point Market 8 in Alpharetta is “It Is No Dream: The Life of Theodor Herzl” on Feb. 14, 2:45 p.m. It tells the story of a cosmopolitan Viennese playwright and journalist becomes the father of modern political Zionism.

A “Closed Season,” about an unorthodox arrangement between German peasants and Jewish war refugee, is set for Feb. 17, 12:15 p.m.

And “Tiger Eyes,” a screen adaptation of a Judy Blume novel, follows a teen grappling with the sudden loss of her father. It will be shown on Feb. 17 at 2:40 p.m.

For ticket information and a full list of all movies and show times, go to www.ajff.org.