Jews on Film: Exploring Jewish Stories & Themes in Cinema

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" trailerCheck out Jake's podcast SababooshConnect with Jews on Film online:Jews on Film Merch - https://jews-on-film.printify.me/productsInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/jewsonfilm/Twitter - https://twitter.com/jewsonfilmpodYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jewsonfilmTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jewsonfilmpod

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 IMDbMarathon Man TrailerPurchase Sam Lipsyte BooksFriends of the Pod from Gagosian GalleryConnect with Jews on Film online:Jews on Film Merch - https://jews-on-film.printify.me/productsInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/jewsonfilm/Twitter - https://twitter.com/jewsonfilmpodYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jewsonfilmTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jewsonfilmpod

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 IMDbShoval Tshuva on InstagramConnect with Jews on Film online:Jews on Film Merch - https://jews-on-film.printify.me/productsInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/jewsonfilm/Twitter - https://twitter.com/jewsonfilmpodYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jewsonfilmTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jewsonfilmpod

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 TrailerYou've Got Mail on IMdBBuy Nora Ephron at the MoviesIlana Kaplan on InstagramConnect with Jews on Film online:Jews on Film Merch - https://jews-on-film.printify.me/productsInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/jewsonfilm/Twitter - https://twitter.com/jewsonfilmpodYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jewsonfilmTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jewsonfilmpod

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 IMDbGirlfriends movie trailerJessie's LinksJesse Kahnweiler on InstagramJust the Tip TrailerConnect with Jews on Film online:Jews on Film Merch - https://jews-on-film.printify.me/productsInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/jewsonfilm/Twitter - https://twitter.com/jewsonfilmpodYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jewsonfilmTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jewsonfilmpod

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 TrailerReal Life on IMDbEddie's LinksEddie Schmidt on InstagramGood One: A Show About JokesConnect with Jews on Film online:Jews on Film Merch - https://jews-on-film.printify.me/productsInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/jewsonfilm/Twitter - https://twitter.com/jewsonfilmpodYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jewsonfilmTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jewsonfilmpod

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 TrailerX-Men First Class on IMDbYacov's LinksThe Plot Thickens on Apple PodcastsYacov Freedman on TwitterConnect with Jews on Film online:Jews on Film Merch - https://jews-on-film.printify.me/productsInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/jewsonfilm/Twitter - https://twitter.com/jewsonfilmpodYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jewsonfilmTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jewsonfilmpod

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 DardashtiThe Nightingale of Iran - nightingaleofiran.comPresented by The Jewish Telegraphic Agency, a publication of 70 Faces MediaHost - Danielle DardashtiWriter / Director / Senior Producer - Danielle DardashtiProducer / Musical Director / Subject Matter Expert - Galeet DardashtiAudio Editors / Sound Designers - Rebecca Seidel and Zachary GoldbergStory Editor - Rider AlsopStory Consultant - Asal EhsanipourComposer 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 DardashtiCover art design: Ghulam NabiAssistants: Courtney Cunningham & Jessica DeWeeseMarketing / PR: TinkDistributed by PRX, the Public Media ExchangeConnect with Jews on Film online:Jews on Film Merch - https://jews-on-film.printify.me/productsInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/jewsonfilm/Twitter - https://twitter.com/jewsonfilmpodYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jewsonfilmTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jewsonfilmpod

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 Shah and rise of the Islamic Fundamentalism during the late 1970s.Then the three talk about religious as well as national persecution for Iranians at that time and finish up the discussion weighing the pros and cons of various modern storytelling mediums such as graphic novel, animated film, and audio podcast.As always, they close out the episode by ranking the film's "Jewishness" in terms of its cast & crew, content, and themes.Persepolis Movie TrailerPersepolis on IMDBDanielle's LinksThe Nightingale of Iran PodcastDanielle Dardashti on InstagramConnect with Jews on Film online:Jews on Film Merch - https://jews-on-film.printify.me/productsInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/jewsonfilm/Twitter - https://twitter.com/jewsonfilmpodYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jewsonfilmTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jewsonfilmpod

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 Samuel J Bronkowitz!As always, they close out the episode by ranking the film's "Jewishness" in terms of its cast & crew, content, and themes."Kentucky Fried Movie" TrailerIMDBAdam’s LinksSandwichAdam Lisagor on TwitterConnect with Jews on Film online:Jews on Film Merch - https://jews-on-film.printify.me/productsInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/jewsonfilm/Twitter - https://twitter.com/jewsonfilmpodYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jewsonfilmTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jewsonfilmpod