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PODCAST

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!

tv & film film reviews

All Episodes

71:43

Spaceballs w/ Gil Ozeri

Jews on Film: Exploring Jewish Stories & Themes in... ·

2025/09/18

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 IMDbSpaceballs TrailerGil’s LinksGil Ozeri on instagramGil’s upcoming show at the Elysian Theater with

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72:28

Pee-wee's Big Adventure w/ Michael Schulman

Jews on Film: Exploring Jewish Stories & Themes in... ·

2025/09/04

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, wandering in the desert, and trying their best not to say the secret word of the pod! AHHHHPee Wee's Big

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1:19

Season 5 Trailer

Jews on Film: Exploring Jewish Stories & Themes in... ·

2025/09/04

Daniel and Harry drop in to let you know what to expect on this season of Jews on Film!

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91:59

Messiah of Evil w/ Sammy Harkham

Jews on Film: Exploring Jewish Stories & Themes in... ·

2025/05/08

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 zombie film.They discuss the movie's aesthetic successes in spite of, or perhaps because of, its

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86:51

Mr. Klein w/Matthew Specktor

Jews on Film: Exploring Jewish Stories & Themes in... ·

2025/04/24

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 may not even exist.Together, they first talk about real life cases of mistaken identities of their lives

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75:27

The Prince of Egypt w/ Stephanie Butnick

Jews on Film: Exploring Jewish Stories & Themes in... ·

2025/04/10

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—who voiced both Moses and God (talk about range!).Along the way, they unpack midrashic moments, sibling

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31:07

BONUS: Sabbath Queen w/ Sandi DuBowski

Jews on Film: Exploring Jewish Stories & Themes in... ·

2025/03/27

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 with his families legacy. Finally, Sandi shares some thoughts around weaving more current events into the

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29:44

BONUS: Seattle Jewish Film Festival w/ Pamela Lavitt

Jews on Film: Exploring Jewish Stories & Themes in... ·

2025/03/21

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 the Seattle Jewish Film Festival Here - https://seattlejff.org/Connect with Jews on Film online:Jews on

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20:57

BONUS: Shari & Lamb Chop w/ Lisa D’Apolito

Jews on Film: Exploring Jewish Stories & Themes in... ·

2025/03/19

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 the challenges of bringing her story to the screen. Tune in for a fascinating conversation about

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80:03

The Jazz Singer (1927) w/ Richard Bernstein

Jews on Film: Exploring Jewish Stories & Themes in... ·

2025/03/13

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 Jolson’s electrifying performance, the film’s cultural impact, and the complicated legacy of both the movie

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27:45

BONUS: Bad Shabbos w/ Daniel Robbins

Jews on Film: Exploring Jewish Stories & Themes in... ·

2025/03/06

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 film is playing at the 30th Annual Seattle Jewish Film Festival on April 5th as part of its closing

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43:44

The First Annual Jews on Film "Oyscar" Awards

Jews on Film: Exploring Jewish Stories & Themes in... ·

2025/02/26

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” Of The Year and many more.Congratulations to all the films that were nominated, a special thank you to

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100:44

Once Upon A Time in America w/ Margalit Fox & George...

Jews on Film: Exploring Jewish Stories & Themes in... ·

2025/02/20

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 of Essential Judaism: A Complete Guide to Beliefs, Customs, and Rituals. Together, they discuss the

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79:25

A Real Pain w/ Sam Ostroff

Jews on Film: Exploring Jewish Stories & Themes in... ·

2025/02/06

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 stop in Lublin, where history looms large. Tune in for laughs, existential musings, and just the right

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47:21

The Goonies w/ Liz Asch Greenhill (Live at EJC in...

Jews on Film: Exploring Jewish Stories & Themes in... ·

2025/01/30

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 Portland’s connection to the film and take questions from our live audience. Join us for an adventurous

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73:41

AI: Artificial Intelligence w/Arnon Shorr

Jews on Film: Exploring Jewish Stories & Themes in... ·

2025/01/16

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 to existential crises, this episode asks: Can artificial beings find meaning? What does it mean to

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63:03

Revisiting "You Don't Mess with The Zohan" w/Jake...

Jews on Film: Exploring Jewish Stories & Themes in... ·

2024/12/19

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

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77:19

Exploring Jewish Identity & Trust in Marathon Man w/...

Jews on Film: Exploring Jewish Stories & Themes in... ·

2024/11/28

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

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63:03

Finding Your Purpose & Selfless Acts of Kindness in...

Jews on Film: Exploring Jewish Stories & Themes in... ·

2024/11/14

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,

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72:20

Bookstores, Romance, and Identity in "You’ve Got...

Jews on Film: Exploring Jewish Stories & Themes in... ·

2024/10/31

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,

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