Jewish Filmmakers on JBS-TV

Award-winning filmmaker Wendy Sachs joins Eric Goldman to discuss her documentary, OCTOBER 8, which delves into the alarming rise of antisemitism following October 7th. The film explores the outbreak of hate on college campuses and examines how social media has, disturbingly, celebrated Hamas, highlighting important issues in documentary filmmaking and its role in Jewish cinema.

Israeli director Guy Nattiv and Iranian actress Zar Amir-Ebrahimi discuss their historic collaboration on the film "Tatami," which delves into the challenges faced by Iranian and Israeli athletes. This project not only highlights the complexities of their experiences but also touches upon themes of antisemitism, making it a significant piece in the realm of documentary filmmaking. The film contributes to the rich landscape of Jewish cinema by fostering dialogue between cultures.

Eric Goldman is joined by filmmaker Dani Rosenberg to discuss his new film, "Of Dogs and Men," a poignant piece of documentary filmmaking that tackles themes of antisemitism through the lens of Jewish cinema. The film employs realism and improvised dialogue to follow a teenage girl’s search for her dog in the aftermath of Hamas’s October 7 attacks in Israel.

Filmmaker Sandi Simcha DuBowski and Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie sit with Eric Goldman to discuss "Sabbath Queen," their epic documentary that explores Lau-Lavie’s 20-year journey from radical drag queen to influential Rabbi of a God-optional, artist-driven synagogue, all while addressing important themes such as antisemitism within the context of modern Jewish cinema and documentary filmmaking.

Filmmaker Amir Kovacs joins Eric to discuss The Book of Joshua: Walls of Jericho, his animated adventure film that brings to life Joshua’s biblical battle to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. This film not only highlights themes relevant to Jewish cinema but also serves as a poignant commentary on issues like antisemitism, reflecting the importance of documentary filmmaking in exploring such critical narratives.

Host Eric Goldman welcomes award-winning filmmaker Ilana Trachtman to discuss her moving new documentary, Ain’t No Back to a Merry-Go-Round, which addresses themes of segregation in a Washington DC suburb and explores the complexities of antisemitism within the context of documentary filmmaking, highlighting important narratives in Jewish cinema.

Nathan Silver discusses his ninth feature film, “Between the Temples,” which delves into themes relevant to Jewish cinema. The film stars Jason Schwartzman as a cantor grappling with a crisis of faith when his former music teacher unexpectedly returns as an adult bat mitzvah student. Through this narrative, the film also touches on the complexities of antisemitism, reflecting the broader issues often explored in documentary filmmaking.

Eric Goldman speaks with filmmaker Beth Lane about her documentary filmmaking debut, "UnBroken," which chronicles the survival of her mother and six siblings who escaped Nazi Germany. This poignant film not only highlights their harrowing journey through antisemitism but also emphasizes the importance of Jewish cinema as it tells the story of their decades-long separation and eventual reunion.

Israeli directing duo Mihal Brezis and Oded Binnun join Eric Goldman to discuss Dead Language, screened at the Tribeca Film Festival. Their feature film reflects their unique approach to Jewish cinema, portraying a woman's chance airport encounter that ignites an unspoken longing, ultimately upending her ordinary life. This exploration of personal relationships amid societal issues, including antisemitism, adds depth to their work in documentary filmmaking.

Israeli writer/director Tom Nesher discusses her debut feature film “Come Closer,” a poignant drama that delves into the depths of grief while celebrating those who choose life despite facing unthinkable pain and loss. This film not only highlights the resilience found in the face of antisemitism but also contributes to the rich tapestry of Jewish cinema. It won first prize in the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival's 'Viewpoints' competition, which honors boundary-pushing, rule-breaking new voices in independent film and documentary filmmaking.

Eric Goldman is joined in discussion with director James Hawes, Nicholas Winton’s son, Nick Winton, and one of “Nicky’s Children,” Eva Paddock, a woman who was saved as a child from certain death in the Holocaust by Nicholas Winton. This important discussion highlights themes related to antisemitism and the impact of documentary filmmaking in preserving the stories of those affected. “One Life,” which stars Anthony Hopkins, tells the inspiring story of the man who rescued over 600 children from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia, contributing significantly to Jewish cinema.

Israeli filmmaker Guy Nattiv discusses ‘Golda,' his highly anticipated film centered on the fourth prime minister of the State of Israel, featuring performances by Helen Mirren and Liev Schreiber. Nattiv emphasizes his focus on her decision-making during the Yom Kippur War, which not only impacted Jewish cinema but also resonates with contemporary issues like antisemitism and the significance of documentary filmmaking in portraying historical legacies.

Laura Bialis, producer and director of the documentary filmmaking project "Vishniac," discusses her film that delves into the life and work of Roman Vishniac. As one of the foremost photographers capturing pre-war Jewish life in Eastern Europe, Vishniac's work also serves as a poignant reminder of the antisemitism that affected the Jewish community during that era, making it a significant piece in the realm of Jewish cinema.

Directors Dan Geller and Dayna Goldfine delve into the world of documentary filmmaking with "Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song," a film that examines the life and career of the Jewish singer/songwriter Leonard Cohen, all while addressing themes like antisemitism through the lens of his internationally renowned hymn, which has become a significant part of Jewish cinema.

Acclaimed filmmaker Barry Levinson (Liberty Heights, Avalon) discusses his HBO film, "The Survivor," which delves into the harrowing true story of Holocaust survivor Harry Haft. This powerful narrative not only highlights Haft's transformation into a professional boxer after enduring the brutalities of Auschwitz at the hands of sadistic Nazi guards, but also serves as a poignant reflection on antisemitism and the resilience of the human spirit, resonating deeply within the realm of Jewish cinema and documentary filmmaking.

Shortly before the death of A.B. Yehoshua in 2022, director Yair Qedar explored various aspects of the author's life. Renowned as one of the greatest living Israeli writers, Yehoshua's impact on Jewish cinema is profound. In his film "The Last Chapter of A.B. Yehoshua," Qedar reflects on how Yehoshua confronted themes of illness and widowhood, yet ultimately chose love as he embarked on his final journey, highlighting the resilience against antisemitism in his narratives.

Shira Haas, the award-winning Israeli actress known for her roles in Jewish cinema hits like 'Shtisel' and 'Unorthodox,' joins writer-director Ruthy Pribar to discuss their new film 'Asia.' This poignant film explores the universal and timeless themes of maternal love and loss, while also reflecting on the challenges faced in the context of antisemitism and the world of documentary filmmaking.

Eran Kolirin's "Let It Be Morning" won Israel's Ophir Award in 2021 for best feature film, making it Israel's submission to the Oscars. In the context of Jewish cinema, Kolirin discusses his experience working with Palestinian actors on a film that challenges its audience, particularly in light of the ongoing issues of antisemitism. He also reflects on his earlier success with the acclaimed film "The Band's Visit," which has been notable in the realm of documentary filmmaking.

Avi Nesher is one of Israel’s foremost film directors, known for his significant contributions to Jewish cinema with films like "Turn Left At the End of the World" and "The Troupe." His latest film, "The Other Story," delves into the complexities of the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community while also addressing pressing themes such as antisemitism, all within the context of documentary filmmaking.

Veteran Israeli actor Sasson Gabai, a three-time winner of Israel's Ophir Award for Best Acting, speaks about his experiences playing the lead role in 'The Band’s Visit.' He starred in both the acclaimed movie, which earned him the Best Actor award at the Israeli Ophir Awards, and as Tony Shalhoub's replacement in the Tony Award-winning Broadway show. Gabai's work highlights the importance of Jewish cinema, especially in the context of addressing themes such as antisemitism through powerful storytelling. Additionally, his involvement in documentary filmmaking has further enriched his contributions to the arts.