The Conspiracy: An Animated Film About Antisemitism – DOC NYC 2022

The world premiere of The Conspiracy at DOC NYC could not be more timely with antisemitism at its highest levels in several years. To say that this film is not enjoyable or entertaining would not be an understatement. However, it is essential that as many people watch this film–now more than ever. I’m not sure how many other DOC NYC films I’m getting to because of my schedule this month but I made sure that…

"The Conspiracy: An Animated Film About Antisemitism – DOC NYC 2022"

A Tree of Life – DOC NYC 2021

A Tree of Life is a must-watch documentary about the 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, one of the worst antisemitic attacks in the US. October 27, 2018 is a date that the Jewish community will never forget. Eleven Jews–half of the people in the building–died that day. I found out about the act of hate while I was making my way to shul that morning. Over three years later, it’s a terrorist attack that none of…

"A Tree of Life – DOC NYC 2021"

DOC NYC 2020: 9-11 Kids

9-11 Kids explores both race and class in profiling the lives of the children sitting in class when President George W. Bush learned of 9/11. Everyone remembers where they were on the morning of September 11th.  For one group of people, the morning is particularly memorable.  This is because then-President George W. Bush was visiting Emma E. Booker Elementary School. All of us have seen the photo where Bush’s chief of staff, Andy Card, whispers…

"DOC NYC 2020: 9-11 Kids"

DOC NYC 2020: Truth to Power

Truth to Power: Barbara Lee Speaks for Me is a powerful and inspiring biography of the highest-ranking Black woman in Congress. Only one person voted against the 2001 authorization for military force.  That person is longtime Rep. Barbara Lee.  While she is the only one to go through with her feelings on the vote, other colleagues regret not joining her.  A number of colleagues are interviewed about this including Lynne Woolsey (D-CA, James Clyburn (D-SC),…

"DOC NYC 2020: Truth to Power"

DOC NYC 2020: ‘Til Kingdom Come

‘Til Kingdom Come is a documentary that shows why evangelicals and right-wing Israelis have gotten in bed with each other. This documentary may be short but it puts the spotlight on rural communities in Kentucky among others.  If it makes you uncomfortable, then the film is doing its job.  There are a number of Orthodox Jews in America and Israel that welcome evangelical support for Israel.  The thing is that evangelicals are not supporting Israel…

"DOC NYC 2020: ‘Til Kingdom Come"

DOC NYC 2020: The Meaning of Hitler

The Meaning of Hitler is not a conventional film by any means but it is effective in getting its point across about understanding the past. There has been a rise of white nationalism and antisemitism in the past few years. It is not just limited to Europe but we are also seeing it in the United States. Filmmaking team Petra Epperlein and Michael Tucker seek to understand what is happening now by exploring the past.…

"DOC NYC 2020: The Meaning of Hitler"

DOC NYC 2020: Kings of Capitol Hill

Kings of Capitol Hill is an eye-opening look at the history of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and its role in American politics. AIPAC was founded in order to support a strategic alliance between the US and Israel. The large majority of the founders were Jewish Democrats.  Eighty percent of Jews had been Democrats for decades and many had been politically involved.  Some came into leadership positions because of American involvement in the Vietnam…

"DOC NYC 2020: Kings of Capitol Hill"

DOC NYC 2019: Golda

The biggest selling point on Golda is newly discovered footage of the late Israeli prime minister taped just a few months before her passing. Long before Margaret Thatcher was the Iron Lady, the title belonged to Golda Meir.  Born in Ukraine and later living in Milwaukee, Meir would eventually make aliyah.  While she would later be active in Israeli politics, ill health forced her to retire in 1966.  Retirement would be short-lived as Meir would…

"DOC NYC 2019: Golda"

DOC NYC 2019: The Rabbi Goes West

The Rabbi Goes West is a documentary profile about Chaim Bruk, a Chabad Lubavitch rabbi, who ventured west to set up a Chabad center in Montana. So did you hear the one about the Chasidic rabbi that moved to Montana?  If you haven’t yet, you will now!  Co-directors Gerald Peary and Amy Geller follow Rabbi Chaim Bruk around Montana as he sets forth to make good on a promise.  The promise being that every Jew…

"DOC NYC 2019: The Rabbi Goes West"

DOC NYC 2019: Narrowsburg

Narrowsburg tells one of those stranger-than-fiction stories that could honestly make the translation from documentary to narrative feature. Think about it.  This is film is telling the story of a long con.  If you’re one of the people who lived it, it’s an experience that you probably don’t want to live through again.  Narrowsburg was going to be the “Sundance of the East.”  Or so the small town’s citizens were being told from festival organizers. …

"DOC NYC 2019: Narrowsburg"