Jews on Film: Exploring Jewish Stories & Themes in Cinema

Daniel Zana & Harry Ottensoser
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Jews on Film: Exploring Jewish Stories & Themes in Cinema

Daniel Zana & Harry Ottensoser discuss films of all types to investigate what truly makes a film Jewish. Covering everything from Fiddler on the Roof to Uncut Gems, they finish each episode by ranking the film’s production, content, and themes on a scale of 1 to 5 Jewish stars. Listen each week to find out!

  1. MAR 27 · BONUS

    BONUS: Sabbath Queen w/ Sandi DuBowski

    Daniel and Harry welcome director Sandi Dubowski to talk about his new documentary film, Sabbath Queen. They discuss what it was like to film Amichai Lau-Lavie and his life over the course of 21 years and how does someone know when a film is finished? In addition they cover the depictions of the various expressions of Judaism onscreen and how Amichai sought to create his own path after wrestling with his families legacy. Finally, Sandi shares some thoughts around weaving more current events into the film post October 7th and how coming to the table with others to dialogue is more important than ever. Check out Sabbath Queen at the Seattle Jewish Film Festival Here - https://seattlejff.org/events/sjff2025sabbathqueen/ Check out the Seattle Jewish Film Festival Here - https://seattlejff.org/ Find out more about Sabbath Queen - https://www.sabbathqueen.com/ Follow Sabbath Queen on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sabbathqueenfilm Connect with Jews on Film online: Jews on Film Merch - https://jews-on-film.printify.me/products Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jewsonfilm/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/jewsonfilmpod YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jewsonfilm TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jewsonfilmpod

    31 min

  2. MAR 21 · BONUS

    BONUS: Seattle Jewish Film Festival w/ Pamela Lavitt

    Daniel and Harry welcome back DIrector of the Seattle Jewish Film Festival Pamela Lavitt to chat about the festival and Jewish cinema at large. She shares memories of exciting and notable moments from its 30 year history and talk about this year's slate of films and events. Then the group discusses how audiences are looking for Jewish joy and unique in-person experiences in cinema. Check out the Seattle Jewish Film Festival Here - https://seattlejff.org/ Connect with Jews on Film online: Jews on Film Merch - https://jews-on-film.printify.me/products Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jewsonfilm/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/jewsonfilmpod YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jewsonfilm TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jewsonfilmpod

    30 min

  3. MAR 19 · BONUS

    BONUS: Shari & Lamb Chop w/ Lisa D’Apolito

    In this special bonus episode of Jews on Film, hosts Harry and Daniel sit down with director Lisa D’Apolito to discuss her new documentary, Shari & Lamb Chop. The film explores the life and legacy of Shari Lewis, the beloved puppeteer, children’s entertainer, and creator of the iconic Lamb Chop. Lisa shares insights into Lewis’s groundbreaking career, her impact on generations of viewers, and the challenges of bringing her story to the screen. Tune in for a fascinating conversation about nostalgia, storytelling, and the enduring magic of Shari Lewis and her famous puppet sidekick. Buy tickets for Shari & Lamb Chop at the Seattle Jewish FIlm Festival Playing March 28th at 1pm - https://seattlejff.org/events/sjff2025shariandlambchopsrmatinee/ Shari & Lambchop Movie Trailer - https://youtu.be/un2Z1JnCsvY Shari & Lambchop on IMDb - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt17720348/ Connect with Jews on Film online: Jews on Film Merch - https://jews-on-film.printify.me/products Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jewsonfilm/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/jewsonfilmpod YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jewsonfilm TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jewsonfilmpod

    21 min

  4. MAR 13

    The Jazz Singer (1927) w/ Richard Bernstein

    Harry and Daniel are joined by special guest Richard Bernstein, author of Only in America, to explore the groundbreaking yet controversial 1927 film The Jazz Singer. As the first feature-length "talkie," The Jazz Singer revolutionized Hollywood, but its themes of assimilation, the American Dream, and generational conflict remain just as compelling today. The conversation delves into Al Jolson’s electrifying performance, the film’s cultural impact, and the complicated legacy of both the movie and its star—including the troubling use of blackface, which continues to spark debate. Plus, they trace The Jazz Singer's origins—from short story to stage play to cinematic milestone—and consider how it shaped portrayals of Jewish identity on screen. Tune in for a fascinating discussion about one of the most significant (and controversial) films in Jewish and Hollywood history. Buy Richard's book, Only in America - https://bookshop.org/p/books/only-in-america-al-jolson-and-the-jazz-singer-richard-bernstein/20143816 The Jazz Singer on IMDb - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0018037/ The Jazz Singer on YouTube - https://youtu.be/PMvn8Ws-l0c Connect with Jews on Film online: Jews on Film Merch - https://jews-on-film.printify.me/products Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jewsonfilm/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/jewsonfilmpod YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jewsonfilm TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jewsonfilmpod

    1h 20m

  5. MAR 6

    BONUS: Bad Shabbos w/ Daniel Robbins

    Daniel & Harry catch up with director & co-writer Daniel Robbins to talk about his new film, Bad Shabbos. They talk about the origins of the film, authentically portraying a Shabbat meal on the Upper West Side, and discuss working with the film's incredible cast. Finally, they pitch a few stretches to him about aspects of the film and manage to get the answers straight from the source! The film is playing at the 30th Annual Seattle Jewish Film Festival on April 5th as part of its closing night ceremony. Director Daniel Robbins attending with a champagne + cheesecake filmmaker reception after. Bad Shabbos Tickets at Seattle Jewish Film Festival Bad Shabbos Movie Trailer Bad Shabbos on IMDb Connect with Jews on Film online: Jews on Film Merch - https://jews-on-film.printify.me/products Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jewsonfilm/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/jewsonfilmpod YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jewsonfilm TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jewsonfilmpod Read less

    28 min
  6. The First Annual Jews on Film "Oyscar" Awards

    FEB 26

    The First Annual Jews on Film "Oyscar" Awards

    In this special episode, Harry and Daniel brush off their tuxedos and gather their past episode show notes to discuss some of the current year's Academy Award picks. Then they move on to the eagerly anticipated "Oyscars" and highlight Jewish excellence in cinema in categories like "Best Onscreen Food", The Most Coded Jewish Non-Explicitly-Jewish Character, The Favorite “Stretch” Of The Year and many more. Congratulations to all the films that were nominated, a special thank you to all of our guests from 2024, and thanks to everyone who listens to the podcast! Connect with Jews on Film online: Jews on Film Merch - https://jews-on-film.printify.me/products Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jewsonfilm/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/jewsonfilmpod YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jewsonfilm TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jewsonfilmpod

    44 min

  7. FEB 20

    Once Upon A Time in America w/ Margalit Fox & George Robinson

    In this Director's Cut length episode of the pod, Harry and Daniel explore Sergio Leone’s epic crime saga, Once Upon a Time in America (1984), examining its portrayal of Jewish gangsters, memory, and the American Dream. They are joined by Margalit Fox, author of The Talented Mrs. Mandelbaum: The Rise and Fall of an American Organized-Crime Boss, and veteran film critic George Robinson, author of Essential Judaism: A Complete Guide to Beliefs, Customs, and Rituals. Together, they discuss the film's historical inspirations, its intricate narrative structure, and its place within the broader context of Jewish representation in cinema. Guest Links Margalit Fox's Books George Robinson's Books Movie Links Once Upon A Time in America Trailer Once Upon A Time in America on IMDb Once Upon A Time in America behind the scenes doc on YouTube Connect with Jews on Film online: Jews on Film Merch - https://jews-on-film.printify.me/products Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jewsonfilm/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/jewsonfilmpod YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jewsonfilm TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jewsonfilmpod

    1h 41m

  8. FEB 6

    A Real Pain w/ Sam Ostroff

    Daniel & Harry dive into "A Real Pain" with guest Sam Ostroff. Jesse Eisenberg’s latest film takes two bickering cousins on a Holocaust-themed road trip through Poland—what could go wrong? They explore how the film navigates inherited trauma, the many ways a “Jewish experience” can look on screen, and what Martin Buber’s "I & Thou" has to do with family dysfunction. Plus, a stop in Lublin, where history looms large. Tune in for laughs, existential musings, and just the right amount of Jewish guilt. "A Real Pain" on IMdB "A Real Pain" Movie Trailer "A Real Pain" Conversation Guide from Reboot Studios Connect with Jews on Film online: Jews on Film Merch - https://jews-on-film.printify.me/products Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jewsonfilm/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/jewsonfilmpod YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jewsonfilm TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jewsonfilmpod

    1h 19m
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Daniel Zana & Harry Ottensoser discuss films of all types to investigate what truly makes a film Jewish. Covering everything from Fiddler on the Roof to Uncut Gems, they finish each episode by ranking the film’s production, content, and themes on a scale of 1 to 5 Jewish stars. Listen each week to find out!

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