AUSTIN, Texas — Incidents of antisemitism have increased, so many in the Jewish community are taking the time to open up educational discourse through film. Austin Jewish Film Festival director David Finkel is making sure the mics are in working order as there are powerful and important conversations to be had.
“I think that’s an important part of what we do as a film festival,” Finkel said. “It’s a first step in breaking down those barriers of otherness and creating some levels of connection and opening up the opportunity for conversation.”
Celebrating its 20th and maybe most vital year at the Dell Jewish Community Center, the highlighted Jewish and Israeli films touch on several themes, including a notable rise in antisemitism.
“We’ve seen a lot more love than hate, especially at the festival. People want to be here and participate,” Finkel said.
Recent troubling posts by famous rapper Kanye West and NBA star Kyrie Irving have hit close to home — especially for "Exodus 91" executive producer Gideon Naim, who’s father Asher, an Israeli diplomat, negotiated the release of 15,000 Ethiopian Jews during the 1991 civil war.
“We want to show positive aspects of the community, not just in Austin but many different places in the world,” Naim said.
“Gefilte Fish” filmmaker Yuliya Lanina left Moscow and moved to Austin to escape religious persecution. Her hope is these films will open eyes and hearts, especially in places like Texas, which ranked nationally in the top 5 in antisemitic incidents by a recent Anti-Defamation League (ADL) study.
“I felt it was very important to be part of this festival and community,” Lanina said. “To share life stories and experience films together.”
If a picture is worth a thousand words, those taking part in these next two weeks are optimistic the event will help shed a positive light during a difficult time.
“We really hope we’re helping to foster peace in a small way,” Finkel said.