Jews on Film: Exploring Jewish Stories & Themes in Cinema
Daniel Zana & Harry Ottensoser 112 episodes Oct 29, 2026
Daniel Zana and Harry Ottensoser discuss a wide range of films, from classics like Fiddler on the Roof to modern gems like Uncut Gems, to explore what truly makes a film Jewish. Each episode delves into the production, content, and themes of a movie, rating them on a scale of 1 to 5 Jewish stars. The podcast offers a weekly, thoughtful, and entertaining look at Jewish representation and storytelling in cinema.
Episodes
Inside Llewyn Davis w/ Simon Mendes
This week on Jews on Film, hosts Harry and Daniel sit down with director and producer Simon Mendes (The Darkest Light, Dick Johnson Is Dead, Sabbath Queen) to talk about the Coen Brothers’ 2013 film Inside Llewyn Davis. Simon’s new documentary on Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, winner of the Best First Feature award at the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival, takes on his musical legacy and the allegations
HER w/ Amy Kurzweil
Harry and Daniel welcome cartoonist and author Amy Kurzweil to talk about Spike Jonze’s Her (2013). Amy’s graphic memoir Artificial: A Love Story follows her father’s attempt to build a chatbot from her late grandfather’s writings, so she’s well placed to ask the big question: can a relationship with an operating system be real?They dig into why the film’s utopia feels a little dystopian, why the
The Garden of the Finzi Continis w/ Melanie Anagnos
Daniel and Harry are joined by novelist Melanie Anagnos to discuss Vittorio De Sica's 1970 Oscar winner The Garden of the Finzi-Continis, about an aristocratic Jewish family in Ferrara sealing themselves off from the world — and from Italy's 1938 racial laws — behind the walls of their estate.The trio digs into the film's tennis-club-turned-exile opening, the garden as an Edenic stand-
Garden State w/Gila Pfeffer
Daniel and Harry are joined by Gila Pfeffer, author of Nearly Departed, to discuss Zach Braff's 2004 indie darling Garden State, directed by and starring Braff alongside Natalie Portman and Peter Sarsgaard.The trio debates whether the film is "actually" Jewish or just Jewish-coded, digging into Ian Holm's distant Jewish father, the humorous Doctor Cohn, and how two decades of over-
The Breakfast Club w/ Rachel Israel
Daniel and Harry are stuck in detention with Rachel Israel, director of The Floaters, so they figured they might as well record a podcast about the 1985 film The Breakfast Club, written and directed by John Hughes.Together, they revisit the iconic coming-of-age classic and its five high-school stereotypes—the brain, the athlete, the basket case, the princess, and the criminal—and ask whether those
Lenny w/ Eli Leibowicz
Returning guest and comedian Eli Leibowicz joins Harry and Daniel to discuss Bob Fosse's Lenny (1974), starring Dustin Hoffman as the groundbreaking—and deeply controversial—comedian Lenny Bruce. Together, they explore why Bruce remains one of the most influential figures in stand-up comedy, even decades after his death.The conversation dives into Bruce's Jewish identity, the role of Yiddi
Special Episode: "The Floaters" Interview w/ Jackie Tohn
Daniel and Harry are (almost) back for Season 7 of the podcast!In anticipation for the premiere in August, have a listen to an interview with Jackie Tohn, star of the new film "The Floaters", out now in limited release in theaters across the country.They cover Jackie's experience at Jewish summer camps growing up, her four favorite Jewish films, how a long tradition of Jewish humor hel
The Prince of Egypt w/ Stephanie Butnick (Re-Release)
Just in time for Passover, hosts Harry and Daniel are joined by Stephanie Butnick—creator of Golda, the Jewish culture guide—for a spirited conversation about The Prince of Egypt (1998), DreamWorks’ dazzling and dramatic take on the Exodus story.The trio dives into the film’s stunning animation, unforgettable music, and deeply Jewish themes, while also paying tribute to the late, great Val Kilmer—
Among Neighbors w/ Pamela Lavitt
Harry and Daniel welcome back Pamela Lavitt, director of the Seattle Jewish Film Festival, to discuss Among Neighbors, the powerful documentary by Yoav Potash that uses animation to explore a haunting Holocaust story about survivors confronting the role their own neighbors played in wartime violence. Together, they examine how animation is reshaping Holocaust storytelling, the challenges of presen
100th Episode Special: "Mel Brooks The 99 Year Old Man!" w/Yuli Masinovsky
For their 100th (give or take) episode, Harry and Daniel celebrate a major milestone by revisiting where it all began—with their very first guest, Yuli Masinovsky. Together, they keep things loose, reflective, and a little bit meta as they dive into The 99 Year Old Man, the documentary from Judd Apatow chronicling the life and legacy of Mel Brooks.Along the way, the trio looks back on four years o
Marty Supreme w/ Leigh Stein
Harry and Daniel are joined by writer Leigh Stein, author of the novel If You’re Seeing This, It’s Meant for You, to unpack the ambition, anxiety, and Jewish bravado pulsing through Marty Supreme, directed by Josh Safdie.Rather than simply treating the film as a sports drama, the conversation zeroes in on Marty as a driven artist figure — obsessive, self-mythologizing, hungry for greatness, and co
The Princess Bride w/ Michael Lukk Litwak
Harry and Daniel dive into the swashbuckling fairy tale classic The Princess Bride with filmmaker and special guest Michael Lukk Litwak, director of Molli and Max in the Future.Directed by Rob Reiner and written by legendary screenwriter William Goldman (adapting his own novel), The Princess Bride is a story of fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love—and,
After Hours w/ Nabil Ayers (Re-Release)
Daniel and Harry welcome Nabil Ayers - music industry entrepreneur, podcaster, musician, and author to discuss Martin Scorsese's 1985 dark comedy "After Hours" starring Griffin Dunne, Rosanna Arquette, and Linda Fiorentino.They discuss SoHo in the 1980s, Scorsese’s exploration of temptation and punishment, how this film fits into the "Yuppie Nightmare" canon of films alongside
When Harry Met Sally with Temim Fruchter (Re-Release)
This week, Daniel and Harry are joined by Temim Fruchter, author of "City of Laughter" out now! They discuss the classic 1989 film "When Harry Met Sally..." starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan directed by the late Rob Reiner.First, they touch on why the film has sustained as one of the best Rom-Coms, pointing to the improvisation and natural conversations that drive the film's
Everything is Illuminated w/ Tanya Singer
Harry and Daniel are joined by special guest Tanya Singer to explore Liev Schreiber’s 2005 film Everything is Illuminated. Starring Elijah Wood as a young Jewish American traveling to Ukraine in search of his grandfather’s past, the film blends absurd humor with profound reflections on memory, trauma, and the long shadow of the Holocaust.Together, the group discusses the film’s road-trip structure
The Meyerwitz Stories w/ Shawn Levy
Harry and Daniel settle in with a nice luke warm bowl of shark soup and are once again joined by author Shawn Levy to delve into Noah Baumbach’s “The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected)”, a darkly comic portrait of a fractured Jewish family in New York.With standout performances from Adam Sandler, Ben Stiller, Dustin Hoffman, and Emma Thompson, the film explores themes of sibling rivalry, parent
Barton Fink w/ Tim Blake Nelson
Daniel and Harry step away from their latest Capitol Pictures assignment—something about a wrestling picture?—to dive into the Coen Brothers’ Barton Fink. They are joined by actor, writer, director, and novelist Tim Blake Nelson, whose new book Super Hero adds an extra layer to their exploration of creativity, identity, and the strange, sticky world of Hollywood.Together, they unpack the film’s Je
An American Tail w/ Robin Schwartzman
Harry and Daniel are joined by caricature artist Robin Schwartzman to revisit Don Bluth and Steven Spielberg’s animated classic An American Tail, the story of Fievel Mousekewitz and his family’s journey from Russia to America. Beneath its colorful animation and unforgettable songs lies a deeply Jewish immigration story, echoing themes of displacement, perseverance, and hope. The hosts explore the
Hester Street w/ Jason Diamond
🧳 A tale of immigrants, Yiddish, and the struggle between Old World traditions and New World dreams.Jason Diamond, author of Kaplan's Plot, join Harry and Daniel to revisit Joan Micklin Silver’s 1975 classic Hester Street, a groundbreaking portrayal of Jewish immigrants in turn-of-the-century New York. Starring Carol Kane in an Oscar-nominated performance, the film captures the tensions betwee
Adaptation w/ Julie Klausner
Harry and Daniel are joined by podcaster & writer Julie Klausner to tackle Adaptation, Spike Jonze’s wildly inventive collaboration with screenwriter Charlie Kaufman. Starring Nicolas Cage in a dual role as Kaufman and his fictional twin brother, the film bends narrative form to explore writer’s block, creativity, and self-doubt. The hosts discuss Kaufman’s uniquely Jewish lens on storytelling
Spaceballs w/ Gil Ozeri
Daniel and Harry are once again joined by actor & comedian Gil Ozeri to discuss the 1987 classic, Spaceballs.Join them as they uncover the ways Mel Brooks brings his Jewish voice and humor to this parody of Star Wars and the classic tropes it inspired. Listen in as they talk about the power of the Schwartz, the Druish princess Vespa, and the all powerful (and very Jewish) Yogurt!Spaceballs on
Pee-wee's Big Adventure w/ Michael Schulman
Daniel and Harry are back for Season Five of the podcast! In this premiere episode, they welcome back writer Michael Schulman to talk about Tim Burton's 1985 classic, "Pee Wee's Big Adventure" . They cover the excellent documentary film, "Paul Reubens as Himself" before heading out hitchhiking on the road to uncover what the film has to say about being an outsider, wanderin
Season 5 Trailer
Daniel and Harry drop in to let you know what to expect on this season of Jews on Film!
Messiah of Evil w/ Sammy Harkham
Cartoonist and editor Sammy Harkham, author of the recent and critically acclaimed graphic novel Blood of the Virgin, joins hosts Harry and Daniel to discuss the 1973 cult classic horror film, Messiah of Evil, co-directed by Willard Huyck and Gloria Katz. A 70s era stylized West Coast horror, the movie has acquired a cult following and is credited as one of the conceptual forbearers of the modern
Mr. Klein w/Matthew Specktor
Writer and critic Matthew Specktor, author of the new novel The Golden Hour, joins hosts Harry and Daniel to discuss Joseph Losey’s haunting 1976 film Mr. Klein. Set in Nazi-occupied France during the lead-up to the infamous Vel d’Hiv roundup of Jews, the film follows Alain Delon as an art dealer who becomes ensnared in a chilling case of mistaken identity with another man who may be Jewish—and ma
The Prince of Egypt w/ Stephanie Butnick
Just in time for Passover, hosts Harry and Daniel are joined by Stephanie Butnick—creator of Golda, the Jewish culture guide—for a spirited conversation about The Prince of Egypt (1998), DreamWorks’ dazzling and dramatic take on the Exodus story.The trio dives into the film’s stunning animation, unforgettable music, and deeply Jewish themes, while also paying tribute to the late, great Val Kilmer—
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 wi
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 th
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 t
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 Jols
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 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”
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
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
The Goonies w/ Liz Asch Greenhill (Live at EJC in Portland)
Recorded live at the Eastside Jewish Commons in Portland, Oregon, this special episode of Jews on Film explores the beloved 1985 classic The Goonies! We’re joined by writer, artist, and acupuncturist Liz Asch Greenhill for a lively discussion on how the film’s themes of treasure hunting, outsider camaraderie, and family legacy resonate with Jewish storytelling traditions. Plus, we’ll dive into Por
AI: Artificial Intelligence w/Arnon Shorr
Daniel and Harry are joined by writer and filmmaker Arnon Shorr to dive into the futuristic, heart-wrenching world of A.I.: Artificial Intelligence. Together, they explore Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi masterpiece, its ambitious take on humanity, and some surprisingly resonant Jewish themes—because even robot boys can wrestle with questions of identity, longing, and belonging.From Pinocchio parallels
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 o
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
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 in
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
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
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
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-
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,
Persepolis w/ Danielle Dardashti
Daniel and Harry are joined by Danielle Dardashti, co-creator and producer of "The Nightingale of Iran" podcast to discuss "Persepolis," the 2007 animated film co-directed by Marjane Satrapi.They discuss Marjane’s split sense of identity throughout the film, and Danielle shares parallel stories of her grandfather that reflect the experience of living in Iran during the fall of the
Kentucky Fried Movie w/ Adam Lisagor
Daniel and Harry are joined by Adam Lisagor, commercial director and founder of Sandwich, to discuss the 1977 film “Kentucky Fried Movie” directed by ZAZ.Adam first shares how the film had a profound impact on his directing tone & style. Then he shares a few Zucker stories from past family gatherings, rates the commercial parodies in the film, and the three even welcome legendary producer Samu
Bottoms w/ Raye Schiller
Daniel and Harry are joined by comedian and co-host of the Yenta podcast, Raye Schiller to discuss the 2023 film "Bottoms" directed by Emma Seligman.First, they unravel how PJ and Josie's sarcasm and lies unwittingly sow chaos among their classmates. Then, they dissect the tribalism between school cliques, revealing subtle Jewish undertones. Finally, they explore Rachel Sennot’s knack
Indiana Jones & the Raiders of The Lost Ark w/ David Tuchman
Join Daniel & Harry on an exhilarating adventure as they welcome acclaimed writer and podcaster David Tuchman to unearth the Jewish treasures buried within Steven Spielberg's iconic 1981 masterpiece, "Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark."Prepare to delve into the thrilling world of archaeology, exploring how it sets out to preserve ancient traditions, artifacts, and custo
Made for Each Other w/ Becky Feldman
Daniel and Harry welcome actress, performer, and host of the podcast "Too Stupid to Live" to discuss the 2023 Hallmark film "Made For Each Other".After tracing the mythological roots of the Golem, they discuss the notion of doing what you truly want versus what's expected of you, imperfection as positive trait rather than something to shy away from, and finally they settle the
Tradition vs Progress : Daniel Robbin’s Take on Moneyball | Jews on Film
Batter Up! Daniel & Harry welcome film maker Daniel Robbins to discuss the 2011 film, "Moneyball" directed by Bennet Miller and starring Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, and Phillip Seymour Hoffman.They discuss the notions of tradition vs progress in baseball as well as Judaism, the use of statistics and negotiating depicted in the film, and discuss which biblical figures Billy Beane and Peter B
Dough w/ Meir Zwanziger | 4/20 Special Episode
In honor of 4/20, Daniel and Harry are joined by friend of the podcast, Meir Zwanziger, to discuss the 2015 film Dough starring Jonathan Pryce and Jerome Holder.Before diving into the movie, they share their experiences with cannabis and explore the possible historical connections between Judaism and cannabis. Then the trio discusses the depiction of Jewish and Muslim religious traditions in the f
Big Night w/ Leah Koenig
Daniel and Harry don their chef whites and sharpen their kitchen knives as they welcome food writer Leah Koenig for their biggest meal yet: a hearty discussion of 1996's "Big Night" co-directed by Campbell Scott and Stanley Tucci.Join them as they go on a spiritual journey through the film and celebrate the divine nature of a great meal.Leah's LinksBuy Leah's cookbook PorticoTh
Reversal of Fortune w/ Jason Zinoman
Join Harry, Daniel, and their guest Jason Zinoman, critic at large for The New York Times, as they share a plate of ginger prawns (Kosher of course) at their favorite Chinese Restaurant and unpack the Jewishness of Barbet Schroeder’s “Reversal of Fortune,” starring Glenn Close, Ron Silver, and Jeremy Irons in an Oscar winning performance.Tune in to hear them discuss the way protagonist Alan Dersho
This is Spinal Tap w/ Yoshie Fruchter
In their season four debut, Harry and Daniel welcome musician extraordinaire Yoshie Fruchter to discuss "This is Spinal Tap,” the 1984 directorial debut from Rob Reiner. They debate the introspective Jewishness of the mockumentary format, compare the travails of the band to those of the Jews lost in the desert, and crank things up to 11 as they celebrate they tow the line between stupid and cl
BONUS: Seattle Jewish Film Festival Interview w/ Director Pamela Lavitt
Daniel and Harry are joined by Pamela Lavitt, Director of the Seattle Jewish Film Festival.Pamela shares her insights on what makes a film Jewish, reveals the latest trends in Jewish movies, covers a few notable films playing this year, and makes a surprising pitch for a Jewish read of "Barbie" and “The Matrix.”Check out the full festival schedule (March 2-17) and buy tickets here: https:/
When Harry Met Sally... w/Temim Fruchter
This week, Daniel and Harry are joined by Temim Fruchter, author of "City of Laughter" out now! They discuss the classic 1989 film "When Harry Met Sally..." starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan directed by Rob Reiner.First, they touch on why the film has sustained as one of the best Rom-Coms, pointing to the improvisation and natural conversations that drive the film's narrative
Hudson Hawk w/ Adam Mansbach
Daniel and Harry are joined by Adam Mansbach, author of Golem of Brooklyn, to talk about the 1991 Bruce Willis film, Hudson Hawk.They explore themes of moral relativism, as it relates to sin and crime in the film, argue for Hawk’s role as a Jewish stand-in left behind by an ever changing world, and make the case for the film’s irreverent tone, arguing its intention and merit (and possible Jewishne
Defending Your Life w/ Gil Ozeri
Daniel and Harry welcome writer, comedian, and performer Gil Ozeri to discuss "Defending You Life" written and directed by Albert Brooks.First, they discuss Albert Brooks and his groundbreaking work as a comedian and film maker leading up to this stage in his career.Then they dive into the film and discuss what the Jewish perspective on heaven and hell, biblical references in the bottomles
Meet the Parents w/ Noah Gittell
Daniel and Harry welcome journalist, film critic, and author Noah Gittell to discuss the 2000 film "Meet The Parents" directed by Jay Roach.Before discussing the film, Noah talks about his personal connections to the film's themes and filming locations.Then they touch on the importance of and emphasis on honesty in the film, what happens when Jewish and WASP cultures collide with one a
The Rabbi's Cat w/Daniel Lobell
Daniel and Harry welcome stand up and comic book creator Daniel Lobell to discuss the 2011 film "The Rabbi's Cat," directed by Joann Sfar and Antoine Delesvaux.Before diving into the film, they share some thoughts on how they are processing the news out of Israel and Gaza as well the rise of antisemitism in the US.Then they talk about the film’s visual and narrative approach to adaptin
The Pawnbroker w/Nira Burstein
Daniel and Harry welcome filmmaker Nira Burstein to discuss "The Pawnbroker," a 1964 film directed by Sidney Lumet and starring Rod Steiger.They unpack the film’s exploration of collective trauma and its consequences on the individual, consider the way the movie might be received by those more and less familiar with the Holocaust, and analyze how the film’s trailblazing editing techniques
Beau is Afraid w/ Nathan Cykiert
Daniel and Harry welcome producer and writer Nathan Cykiert to discuss Ari Aster's larger than life epic film, “Beau is Afraid” from 2023, starring Joaquin Phoenix.They consider the Jewishness inherent to the neuroticism and anxiety of the film’s titular Beau, as well as his relationship to his guilt-inducing mother (but don’t worry, they all love their Jewish mothers). They further unpack the
Fiddler on The Roof w/ Leah Gottfried
For their 50ish Episode Spectacular, Daniel and Harry are joined by Leah Gottfried, creator of the acclaimed comedic web series “Soon by You,” to (finally) discuss the much requested “Fiddler on The Roof.” The film came out in 1971, was directed by Norman Jewish and stars Topol and Norma Crane.They explore the legacy of the film and how it has inspired the way the world at large thinks of Jews for
Bonus: Jews on Film on "You're Missing Out" discussing Tevye (1939)
Daniel & Harry recently had the opportunity to be guests on You're Missing Out to discuss the 1939 Yiddish film Tevye, starring Maurice Schwartz. Enjoy!"He's as accustomed to the whip as I am to poverty."You might know Sholem Aleichem's celebrated comedic hero of Yiddish literature, Tevye (or Tevya) from the musical Fiddler on the Roof. But decades earlier, titan of the Yid
Bonus: You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah Interview with Director Sammi Cohen
Daniel & Harry speak to Sammi Cohen for a bonus episode conversation about the film "You Are so not Invited to my Bat Mitzvah," streaming now on Netflix.Tune in to hear Sammi’s thoughts on Jewish humor, what the modern Jewish world looks like, and on the validity behind some of Daniel and Harry’s wildest stretches.Movie Trailer: https://youtu.be/LXciH__hbTwSammi’s Instagram: https://in
Waltz with Bashir w/ Elan Golod
Daniel and Harry are joined by Elan Golod, director of "Nathan-ism," to discuss the 2008 film "Waltz with Bashir" directed by Ari Folman.They cover the film’s exploration of memory and its malleability, dive deep into the distinction between historical truth vs story truth (and its relation to Jewish Midrash and the Seder), and make the case for why this film might be more Israeli
The Apartment w/ Julie Klausner
Daniel and Harry are joined by actor, comedian, and writer Julie Klausner to discuss the 1960 classic, “The Apartment” directed by Billy Wilder and starring Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine.They attempt to read the film’s protagonists as emblematic of the Jewish immigrant, marvel at the strong Jewish representation in the Dreyfuss characters and their promotion of “being a mensch,” and make the ca
Born Yesterday w/ Michael Schulman
Daniel and Harry are joined by New Yorker staff writer Michael Schulman, author of Oscar Wars, to discuss about the 1950 classic film, "Born Yesterday" directed by George Cukor and starring Judy Holliday and William Holden.They talk about the film's journey from Broadway to the big screen and Judy Holliday's long campaign to be cast as the lead in the film. They also cover how "
Airplane! w/ Eli Lebowicz
Daniel and Harry are joined by comedian Eli Lebowicz to discuss the 1980 film "Airplane!" directed by Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker.They discuss the film’s layered, Talmudic approach to humor, uncover the Biblical origins of Jewish sarcasm, and consider how much longer the famous Jewish athletes leaflet would be in 2023!As always, they close out the episode by ranking the fi
Crossing Delancey w/ Jenny Caplan
Daniel and Harry are joined by Dr. Jennifer Caplan, author of Funny You Don't Look Funny, to discuss 1988’s “Crossing Delancey,” directed by Joan Micklin Silver and starring Amy Irving and Peter Riegert.They discuss the film’s themes of tradition versus progress within Judaism, unpack how Sam represents, and ultimately subverts, the “Nice Jewish Boy” trope, and analyze how the film respects Iz
RRR w/ Avishai Weinberger
Daniel and Harry are joined by writer and director Avishai Weinberger to discsuss the 2022 epic "RRR" directed by S. S. Rajamouli, and starring N.T. Rama Rao Jr. and Ram Charan.They discuss the Biblical scale of some of the film’s epic set pieces, the global reception of such a culturally specific film (and what that could mean for Jewish stories), and how the movie leans into earnest sent
Exploring Jewish Identity Through Film (Live)
In this special episode, recorded in March 2023, Daniel & Harry were invited to speak at the Jews at Microsoft group. During this virtual presentation, they go over the origins of the podcast, their favorite movies covered, and discuss common themes like Jewish coding, non-Jews playing Jews, Job like characters, and of course the stretches!Connect with Jews on Film online:Instagram - https://w
JoJo Rabbit w/ Becky Braunstein
Daniel & Harry are joined by comedian and actor Becky Braunstein to discuss the 2019 film of “Jojo Rabbit” directed by Taika Waititi starring Roman Griffin Davis, Thomasin McKenzie, and Scarlett Johansson.They discuss the idea of viewing this film as coming of age story vs a holocaust story, Elsa's depiction as a Jew in hiding with agency, their love for Yorkie, and so much more!As always,
Oliver Twist (1948) w/ Jeffrey Wengrofsky
Daniel & Harry are joined by writer, filmmaker, and festival curator Jeffrey Wengrofsky to discuss the 1948 version of “Oliver Twist” directed by David Lean and starring Sir Alec Guinness, John Howard Davies, and Robert Newton.The discuss the grotesque depiction of Alex Guiness' Fagin and how it reinforces harmful Jewish stereotypes, trace how the film’s plot fits into a Christian redempti
Keeping the Faith w/ Phil Iscove
Daniel & Harry are joined by Film and TV writer, producer and podcaster Phil Iscove of Podcast Like It’s to discuss Edward Norton’s 2000 directorial debut “Keeping the Faith,” starring Norton, Ben Stiller, and Jenna Elfman.They marvel at the unabashed depiction of religion and Jewish practice from a major studio release, discuss the tension between modernity and tradition within religion, and
Glamour & Gender in 'Pretty Woman' with Karina Longworth | Jews on Film
Daniel & Harry are joined by film writer and podcaster Karina Longworth of You Must Remember This to discuss Gary Marshall's 1990 film "Pretty Woman" starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.They cover the transactional way Edward sees those in his life, trace the characters’ evolution across the film, imagine what a "Pretty Woman" streaming series would look like in 2023, a
Hail Caesar w/ Josh Weiss
Daniel and Harry are joined by Josh Weiss, Author of "Sunset Empire," to discuss the 2016 Coen Brother's film "Hail Caesar,” starring Josh Brolin, George Clooney, and Alden Ehrenreich.They cover the film's Jewish casting and depiction of communist writers, and delve into the history and context of the HUAC and Hollywood Ten. They also unpack the iconic focus group scene, featur
Babel w/ Rabbi David Kasher
Daniel and Harry are joined by Rabbi David Kasher, author of ParshaNut, to discuss the 2006 film Babel, directed by Alejandro Iñárritu.They discuss the film's relationship to the Biblical Tower of Babel story, and how both explore themes of language, miscommunication and being a fish out of water. They also consider the film’s depiction of the ways war and industry can impact people all around
Image of Victory w/ Dinah Leffert
Daniel and Harry welcome comedian and actor Dinah Leffert to discuss "Image of Victory," their first Hebrew language film of the podcast! The 2021 film was directed by Avi Nesher and stars Joy Rieger and Amir Khoury.They celebrate the film’s depiction of Jewish life on the kibbutz as a melting pot of world cultures, examine the film’s ideas on the role of propaganda in shaping public opini
The Big Lebowski w/ Julie Sugar
Daniel and Harry are joined by writer Julie Sugar to discuss 1998’s cult favorite “The Big Lebowski,” directed by the Coen Brothers and starring Jeff Bridges, Julian Moore, and John Goodman.They delight in the film’s use of Yiddish and deep Jewish cuts, compare The Dude’s suffering to that of the Biblical Job, and consider the film’s depiction of Walter’s reverence for the laws and restrictions of
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