

Jews on Film: Exploring Jewish Stories & Themes in Cinema
Daniel Zana & Harry Ottensoser
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!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 11, 2022 • 1h 18min
A Serious Man
In this week's episode, Daniel & Harry discuss the 2009 anxiety-inducing film "A Serious Man," directed by the Coen Brothers and starring Michael Stuhlbarg. They touch on the meaning of Larry's dreams, explore the challenges of being logical in an increasingly illogical and unpredictable world, and unpack the cryptic messages and parables offered by the film’s 3 rabbis.They wrap up the episode by serving up a 3 course meal rating of the Jewishness of the film, based on its cast & crew, content, and themes.IMDbMovie Trailer

Aug 4, 2022 • 1h 14min
Clueless w/ Rachel Rosenfeld
In this week’s episode, Daniel and Harry welcome Rachel Rosenfeld, Executive Director of Mercaz Seattle to discuss the 1995 classic "Clueless," starring Alicia Silverstone as the iconic Cher. They consider the resonance of Cher’s embodiment of the Jewish American Princess (JAP), break down the California traffic one might face to go to a party all the way in the valley, the timelessness of the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, and more!IMDbYouTube trailerMercaz Seattle

Jul 28, 2022 • 57min
The Survivor
In this week’s episode, Daniel and Harry head outdoors for a special in-person recording where they discuss Barry Levinson's 2021 film “The Survivor.” They consider the movie’s themes of assimilation and survival, its cinematic depiction of the concentration camps, and its attempts at presenting scenes of violent boxing without seeming exploitative. As always, they end the episode by rating the film’s Jewishness.Make sure to follow on instagram @jewsonfilm and TikTok @jewsonfilmpod and don't forget to rate and review the podcast!IMdBTrailerSoCalled - "(Rock The) Belz"Talia & Ensemble de Kol Aviv - Mayn Shtetele Belz

Jul 21, 2022 • 1h 21min
Inglourious Bastards w/ Yechiel Hoffman & Jodi Berman
In this week's episode, Daniel and Harry are joined by the stars of the 2 Movie Jews podcast Yechiel Hoffman and Jodi Berman. Together, they discuss Quentin Tarantino's 2009 World War II epic "Inglourious Basterds," starring Brad Pitt, Melanie Laurent, and Christoph Waltz.Tune in as they explore the film's theme of hiding from one's past, discuss the representation of powerful Jews on screen, and consider the film as a testament to the power of storytelling.Trailer IMDb Listen to 2 Movie Jews on SpotifyListen to 2 Movie Jews on Apple Podcasts

Jul 14, 2022 • 49min
This is Where I Leave You
In this week's episode, Daniel and Harry chat about Shawn Levy's "This is Where I Leave You," starring Jason Bateman, Jane Fonda, and a whole cast of recognizable (if not very Jewish...) faces.Listen in as they dive into how the film explains Shiva to its broad audience, reflect on their own relationships with their siblings, and analyze how the characters rethink the trajectories of their lives when faced with death.As always, they end the episode by ranking the film in terms of its Jewishness.Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?=v=fH0cEP0mvlU&ab_channel=WarnerBros.PicturesIMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1371150

Jul 7, 2022 • 1h 9min
Mr. Saturday Night w/ Jen Stewart
In this exciting season two premiere, Harry and Daniel are joined by Jen Stewart of the Borscht Belt Tattler podcast to discuss "Mr Saturday Night" starring and directed by Billy Crystal.Jen explains why she chose the film, her connection to the Borscht Belt, and even surprises Harry and Daniel with a pop quiz on famous Jewish comedians and their real Hebrew names!Movie TrailerIMDB summaryBorscht Belt Tattler Podcast

May 19, 2022 • 60min
Midnight in Paris w/ Etan Basseri
In this season 1 finale to Jews on Film, Daniel and Harry are joined by Etan Basseri for a discussion on Woody Allen's "Midnight in Paris," starring Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams.Tune into their discussion on the pitfalls of giving ourselves over to too much nostalgia, the positive relationship Judaism and Jewish culture has with its past, and the time periods they'd most want to be magically and inexplicably transported to.As always, they end the episode by ranking the film in terms of its Jewishness.Trailer: https://youtu.be/FAfR8omt-CYIMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11271038/Etan's Children's Book, A Persian PassoverThe White Balloon Trailer

May 5, 2022 • 1h 16min
Licorice Pizza
In this week's episode, Daniel and Harry are guestless as they unpack Paul Thomas Anderson's 2021 Oscar Nominated “Licorice Pizza,” starring Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman.Listen in as they reminisce on Daniel's childhood in the San Fernando Valley, discuss the concept of the "Nice Jewish Boy" (NJB) and its presence in the film, and finally learn how to pronounce the director and star of "Yentl's" last name (Strei-SAND, like the ocean).Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofnXPwUPENo&ab_channel=MGMIMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11271038/

Apr 21, 2022 • 60min
Broadcast News w/Gil Baron
In this week's episode, Daniel and Harry are joined by Producer Gil Baron to discuss 1987's “Broadcast News,” starring Holly Hunter, Albert Brooks, and William Hurt, and directed by James L. Brooks. Tune in as they take on the film's themes of style versus substance, identify what makes Albert Brooks' Aaron a "coded Jew," and conjure up some of the biggest stretches this Podcast has ever seen. As always, they end the episode by ranking the film’s Jewishness with a bonus category suggested by Gil Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fuhxg3mkiIwIMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092699/Catch up on past episodes of Jews on FilmFollow "Your Late Show Tonight" on Instagram

Apr 14, 2022 • 1h 3min
The Frisco Kid w/Simon Feil
Daniel and Harry welcome actor Simon Feil (The Marvelous Ms. Maisel, Billions, Ocean’s Eight) to discuss “The Frisco Kid” starring Gene Wilder and Harrison Ford. They touch on the accurate depiction of Judaism, Yiddish, and other customs depicted by Wilder’s Avram character. In addition, they discuss the representation of Native Americans in the film and how Harrison Ford makes for a pretty good bank robber with a heart of gold. Simon also shares some stories from his time on various sets throughout his career.IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0079180/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0Movie Trailer: https://youtu.be/oOZP2iKns3MCheck out the Jews on Film for other episodes: linktr.ee/jewsonfilmFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jewsonfilm/