5 Must-See Jewish Films

It is estimated that only 10 percent (!) of today’s filmmakers are women. In large part, this is because many studio executives doubt that audiences will come out to see “women’s stories.” It also doesn’t help that filmmaking is an all-consuming, money-sucking endeavor, which makes it extra hard for women raising children. But it’s essential that we women tell our stories with our varied voices and visions. So we worked with Amy Geller, artistic director of the Boston Jewish Film Festival, to choose five recent Jewish films made by women, and I was lucky enough to interview each one. Two thumbs up for these courageous and fabulous storytellers.

Michelle Cove, Editor
mcove@brandeis.edu

P.S. As you can see, we’ve given 614 a March makeover, which we hope you enjoy. You’ll notice the comments section is much easier to use, so have at it!

In This Issue

• Life in Stills

  Israeli filmmaker Tamar Tal documents the beautiful and complicated relationship between a 96-year-old widow and her grandson.

• DEVOUT

  Two 20-something filmmakers go inside the lives of gay Jewish women striving to stay connected to their Orthodox community.

• Dorfman in Love

  Screenwriter Wendy Kout gives us a Jewish female lead in a romantic comedy who we can recognize and support.

• The Dreamers

  Israeli filmmaker Efrat Shalom Danon takes us inside the fascinating world of ultra-Orthodox women filmmakers.

• Hava Nagila

  Filmmaker Roberta Grossman takes us on a fun and enlightening journey to discover what exactly made this song so ubiquitous.

• Resources - Vol 7, Issue 2

  A sampling of resources that provide more information on Jewish fIlmmakers and films.