From “Dinner for Schmucks” to “The Social Network,” what is there not to love about Hollywood’s hottest Jew crew? Captivating young audiences worldwide, Jewish entertainers like Paul Rudd and Jesse Eisenberg have starred in money-making, motion pictures, bringing a little bit of Jewish humor onto the big screen. But rarely do people watch films about Jewish culture and, instead, focus on Jewish celebrities. Until now.
On Sept. 30, the University of Florida Hillel held a brainstorming session for their first Jewish Film Festival. Organized by the Manoa Art Committee at UF Hillel, a group of students who are passionate for the arts, the film fest will be held in March, which is UF’s Jewish Awareness Month.
Already highly anticipated by the UF Hillel community, Jews and non-Jews alike will have the chance to watch documentaries, short films, and even feature length films to get a better understanding for what the word “Jewish” means.
After speaking with Amanda Soloman, the coordinator of the event and the Manoa Art Committee director, the objective became more clear. Rather than screening films that are Jew-ish, the larger purpose is to show films that can strengthen a person’s perspective on Judaism or simply leave each viewer with an open mind.
While some flicks will induce comedy, other movies will include drama and suspense through real-life footage. With switching from bulky video cameras in the 1970s to sleek and sexy camcorders on Apple’s iPhone and Verizon’s Droid, Jewish documentary directors have been able to give an up close and personal view on what it means to be a Jew living the 21st Century.
An artistic and creative avenue to learn about our roots, in March, film will become a new way for students to learn about Jewish culture and heritage on the big screen.
