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. 4 DAYS AGO

    Revisiting "You Don't Mess with The Zohan" w/Jake Gillis: Is it a Jewish film or just an Israeli film?

    This week on Jews on Film, we’re diving deep into the outrageous, hummus-packed world of Adam Sandler’s You Don’t Mess with the Zohan. Our special guest, Jake Gillis, host of the podcast Sababoosh, joins us to break down the film’s over-the-top portrayal of Israeli culture, its unlikely existence as a major Hollywood studio film, and where it lands in the broader spectrum of Jewish representation on screen. Is this movie pure absurdity, or does it sneak in some profound commentary between the falafel jokes? Grab your hummus, cue the disco, and join us for a lively discussion about one of the wildest Jewish comedies ever made! "You Don't Mess with the Zohan" on IMDb "You Don't Mess with the Zohan" trailer Check out Jake's podcast Sababoosh 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 3m

  2. NOV 28

    Exploring Jewish Identity & Trust in Marathon Man w/ Sam Lipsyte

    Harry and Daniel are joined by acclaimed writer Sam Lipsyte for a deep dive into Marathon Man (1976), a gripping thriller packed with espionage, dental horror, and Dustin Hoffman at his best. Together, they explore the film's Jewish themes, its iconic villain Dr. Szell, and the cultural impact of that unforgettable question: "Is it safe?" Tune in for sharp insights, laughs, and a fresh take on this cinematic classic. Marathon Man on IMDb Marathon Man Trailer Purchase Sam Lipsyte Books Friends of the Pod from Gagosian Gallery 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 17m

  3. NOV 14

    Finding Your Purpose & Selfless Acts of Kindness in "Cha Cha Real Smooth" w/ Shoval Tshuva

    Daniel and Harry are joined by film maker Shoval Tshuva to take trip down memory lane to reminisce about wax hands, Shirley temple drinks, line dancing and other classic bar & bat mitzvah memories through the lens of Cooper Raiff's 2022 film Cha Cha Real Smooth. They talk about Raiff's depiction of Bar Mitzvah life based on his childhood of attending parties, how Andrew is a selfless individual on a mission to help others, and despite our age, some of us never figure things out. As always, they close out the episode by ranking the film's "Jewishness" in terms of its cast & crew, content, and themes. "Cha Cha Real Smooth" Trailer "Cha Cha Real Smooth" on IMDb Shoval Tshuva on Instagram 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 3m

  4. OCT 31

    Bookstores, Romance, and Identity in "You’ve Got Mail" w/ Ilana Kaplan

    In this season four premiere of Jews on Film, Daniel & Harry are back to dive into the timeless charm and nuanced layers of Nora Ephron's beloved romantic comedy, You’ve Got Mail. Joining them is Ilana Kaplan, author of Nora Ephron at the Movies, to explore how Ephron’s witty writing and sentimental storytelling capture Jewish identity, New York City, and the intricate dance of love in the digital age. Together, they discuss the film’s iconic scenes, the cultural nostalgia of ‘90s New York, and how Ephron’s unique perspective as a Jewish storyteller shines through. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation on identity, community, and romance in this rom-com classic! You've Got Mail Trailer You've Got Mail on IMdB Buy Nora Ephron at the Movies Ilana Kaplan on Instagram 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 12m

  5. SEP 11

    Finding Your Chutzpah: Breaking Boundaries in Girlfriends (1978) with Jessie Kahnweiler

    Join Harry and Daniel as they dive into the world of Girlfriends—the groundbreaking 1978 film by Claudia Weil that some have called "the Jewish Frances Ha." This week, they’re joined by filmmaker and actress Jessie Kahnweiler to unpack the story of Susan, played by Melanie Mayron, as she navigates life, friendship, and independence in a way that’s as bold as it is relatable. Expect a lively discussion about Susan’s undeniable chutzpah, the film’s nuanced portrayal of female friendship, and finding your path on your own terms. Of course, no conversation would be complete without spotlighting some of the movie’s best (and corniest) Jewish jokes, along with their signature "Jewishness" ranking—covering everything from cast and crew to content and themes. And don’t miss the bonus at the end, where Jessie gives us a sneak peek into her upcoming film, Just the Tip! Girlfriends on IMDb Girlfriends movie trailer Jessie's Links Jesse Kahnweiler on Instagram Just the Tip Trailer 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 11m

  6. AUG 22

    Documentary or Satire? Decoding Albert Brooks' "Real Life" with Eddie Schmidt" | Jews on Film

    Harry and Daniel welcome acclaimed director Eddie Schmidt to the pod to discuss Albert Brooks’ pioneering meta-documentary “Real Life,” released in 1979.  Join them as they track the film’s exploration of truth and reality, and Brooks’ repeated meddling in the “reality” of his subjects. They then consider the different modes of performance in the film, and discuss how a God-fearing Jew is uniquely equipped to survive in an overly-observed world. Finally, they discuss the shlemiel and shlimazel archetypes and debate which each of the characters represents in the film. As always, they rank the film's "Jewishness" in terms of its cast & crew, content, and themes. Stick around for the end of the podcast to hear a little bit more about Eddie‘s latest project “Good One: A Show About Jokes" and some of the parallels to "Real Life" as well as how he set out capturing Mike Birbiglia’s process in creating a special. Real Life Trailer Real Life on IMDb Eddie's Links Eddie Schmidt on Instagram Good One: A Show About Jokes 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

  7. AUG 8

    Jewish Themes in 'X-Men: First Class' – A Deep Dive with Yacov Freedman | Jews on Film

    In this electrifying episode of Jews on Film, Daniel and Harry are thrilled to be joined by Yacov Freedman, Sr. Producer of TCM's acclaimed series The Plot Thickens. Together, they dive into the dazzling world of 2011's X-Men: First Class, directed by Matthew Vaughn. 🦸‍♂️💥 This action-packed discussion covers everything from Magneto's poignant backstory as a Holocaust survivor to the X-Men's historical role as stand-ins for marginalized members of the Jewish, LGBTQ+, and Black communities . 📽️✨ As they unpack the film's historical influences and character dynamics, you'll also hear Harry's heartfelt confession of his admiration for Michael Fassbender. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the superhero saga's deeper meanings and its cultural impact! 🌟🦹‍♀️ X-Men First Class on Trailer X-Men First Class on IMDb Yacov's Links The Plot Thickens on Apple Podcasts Yacov Freedman on Twitter 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 16m

  8. JUL 30 · BONUS

    BONUS: The Nightingale of Iran Episode One - The Time Machine

    Daniel and Harry had Danielle Dardashti on last week to discuss the film Persepolis, and this week they are sharing the first episode of Danielle's series, "The Nightingale of Iran", enjoy! ____________________________ Sisters Danielle and Galeet Dardashti grew up in a Jewish American family band: The Dardashti Family. They sang international folk music in 12 languages – English, Hebrew, Yiddish, Ladino, Greek, Spanish, French, Japanese and more – but never any songs in Persian. This seems odd to them since both their father and grandfather were famous Iranian singers during the “Golden Age” for Jews in Iran, before the Islamic Revolution. Danielle and Galeet make a discovery that takes them back in time, and helps them find answers to their questions about why their family left Iran and abandoned their Iranian identity. Co-creators / Co-executive producers - Danielle Dardashti and Galeet Dardashti The Nightingale of Iran - nightingaleofiran.com Presented by The Jewish Telegraphic Agency, a publication of 70 Faces Media Host - Danielle Dardashti Writer / Director / Senior Producer - Danielle Dardashti Producer / Musical Director / Subject Matter Expert - Galeet Dardashti Audio Editors / Sound Designers - Rebecca Seidel and Zachary Goldberg Story Editor - Rider Alsop Story Consultant - Asal Ehsanipour Composer of Theme Song - Galeet Dardashti: “Melekh” from her album Monajat, featuring Younes Dardashti (with Shanir Blumenkranz, Max ZT, Zafer Tawil, Philip Mayer) In Episode 1, The Time Machine, you heard our conversations with: Farid and Sheila Dardashti, Shahla Javdan, Homa Sarshar, Lili Keypour, and Nahid Pirnazar. Thank you to our sponsors: -Jewish Writers’ Initiative Digital Storytellers Lab / Maimonides Fund -Common Era -Younes and Soraya Nazarian Family Foundation -The Himan Brown Charitable Trust -UCLA Mickey Katz Endowed Chair in Jewish Music -Be’chol Lashon (fiscal sponsor) Intro credits read by: Michelle Dardashti Cover art design: Ghulam Nabi Assistants: Courtney Cunningham & Jessica DeWeese Marketing / PR: Tink Distributed by PRX, the Public Media Exchange 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

    35 min
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About

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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