AJFF In Conversation: The Podcast

In this episode of AJFF In Conversation: The Podcast, filmmaker Deborah Riley Draper joins hosts Sara and Brad for a candid, eye-opening conversation centered around her recent documentary Olympic Pride, American Prejudice, a look at the complex racial politics of the Nazi Games in 1936 Berlin as experienced by African-American athletes. With the backdrop of today's Black Lives Matter movement, and in light of the coronavirus postponement of the 2020 Summer Games in Tokyo, Olympic Pride, American Prejudice takes on added resonance. We'll discuss the film's historical context, issues of racial inequality and injustice, as well as Deborah's filmmaking career and the power of cinema to educate and create change.

What exactly is the Jewish notion of vengeance, and how has the concept been handled across Jewish media? Has it been portrayed with nuance and complexity, or has it mostly been a means of on-screen violence and exploitation? Join Sara, Brad, and special guest Dr. Eyal Peretz, as they try to answer these questions, exploring just how revenge plays out in the 2013 Israeli film Big Bad Wolves, Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds, and Amazon Prime's new original series, Hunters.

Sometimes we think we're done talking but we're not really done talking. Enjoy these extra minutes of conversation with film scholar Eddy Von Mueller as we dig a little deeper on the subject of comedies about tragedy. This bonus episode was recorded after we thought the discussion from the previous episode ("Am I Allowed to Laugh at This?") was finished.

Cinema has offered numerous satirical takes on history's darkest chapter, often controversial and sometimes considered in questionable taste. Film scholar Eddy Von Mueller joins AJFF In Conversation podcast hosts Sara and Brad as they grapple with the taboo topic of Holocaust humor, discussing Chaplin's The Great Dictator and Taika Waititi's Jojo Rabbit, among other films.

Read the show notes here.

Actor Jesse Eisenberg and writer/director Jonathan Jakubowicz joined AJFF online in April to discuss their new biographical drama Resistance with historian Catherine Lewis. Please enjoy the audio of this webinar as Eisenberg and Jakubowicz go behind the scenes of the film, which is based on the true story of legendary mime Marcel Marceau and his efforts to save Holocaust orphans with the help of the French Resistance. AJFF In Conversation webinars are generously supported by the Helen Marie Stern Fund.

What is the relationship between food and the Jewish experience, and how has that relationship been cooked up on the movie screen? What are the quintessential Jewish foods, their role in cinematic stories, and most memorably delicious onscreen representations? Join hosts Sara and Brad, and special guest Shannon Sarna (The Nosher) as they explore these questions. There's a LOX to talk about, so you'll definitely want to SCHMEAR this episode!

We're back with part 2 of our conversation about recommended movies to watch while cooped up flattening the curve. Dr. Matthew Bernstein of Emory University returns to join our hosts Sara and Brad, and you, for a deep dive into some uplifting, inspiring, and maybe even somewhat challenging Jewish movies you should seek out while sequestered at home. They'll make you laugh, smile, and think. Or at least this episode will.

So, you've finished watching all of Netflix (or so it seems). What are the best Jewish movies that can help pass the time while practicing social distancing? Join hosts Sara and Brad, and special guest Dr. Matthew Bernstein of Emory University, for this first-ever edition of AJFF In Conversation: The Podcast. You'll hear about some of the most entertaining Jewish movies you should seek out while sequestered at home. From escapist fun to thought-provoking dramas, after listening to this you will have plenty of options!

Read the full show notes.