2016 AJFCA Annual Conference

Opening Plenary Lunch - Guest Speaker
Elena Rossini, Writer & Director, The Illusionists

AJFCA is delighted to announce that Elena Rossini, Italian filmmaker, DP, photographer, multimedia producer and speaker will present at the Opening Plenary Lunch on Sunday, at the 2016 Annual Conference. Elena works at the intersection of creativity and social justice, highlighting issues that permeate our global culture.

Her latest film project is The Illusionists,

a feature-length documentary about the marketing of unattainable beauty ideals around the world. Elena's presentation will use clips from her film to explore how being "uncomfortable in our own skin, in our own bodies" underlies the pervasive sense of unworthiness that many teens and young adults so want to mask. This often leads to negative self-assessment or less than healthy behaviors meant to take away that uncomfortable feeling.

The Illusionists was selected by Indiewire as its "Project of the Day" and won the title of "Project of the Week" by popular vote. Dozens of blogs and p

rint publications - including Vogue, New York Magazine and Jezebel - have written about the film. Educational distribution for The Illusionists has just launched; Elena is currently finalizing plans for public release and taking the film on tour at universities and non-profits in Europe and North America.Elena is also the founder and editor-in-chief of No Country for Young Women, a website whose aim is to provide positive role models for young girls. The site features over 100 interviews of women representing five continents, seven decades, and over two dozen professions - from NASA engineers, to illustrators, architects, filmmakers and entrepreneurs. Click here to view the trailer.

Elena is also the founder and editor-in-chief of No Country for Young Women, a website whose aim is to provide positive role models for young girls. The site features over 100 interviews of women representing five continents, seven decades, and over two dozen professions - from NASA engineers, to illustrators, architects, filmmakers and entrepreneurs.

Many thanks to Jewish Community Services of Baltimore for introducing AJFCA to Elena. JCS held a community-wide tour of the film, with Elena, in the fall and it was a great success in raising awareness and discussion of body image.

Early Bird Registration Closes Thursday, March 31st

Westin Hotel | San Diego, CA | May 15th - 17th

Book your hotel room and learn more about the Westin San Diego here. Please contact Megan with questions.

AJFCA is dedicated to the inclusion of all members of society regardless of age, gender identity, race, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, or abilities. If you would like to request specific accommodations to enable you to participate fully in the event, or have general questions about the ways in which we strive to create an inclusive atmosphere at the Annual Conference, please contact AJFCA's Director of Older Adult & Disabilities Services, Liz Woodward, by April 15th at 410-500-5372.