December, 2009

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“Protektor” with Director Marek Najbrt

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009

The New York Jewish Film Festival, presented by The Jewish Museum and The Film Society of Lincoln Center, is fast approaching, with a strong and diverse line up of films that promise to appeal. Among them is a highly original, compelling Czech film that reveals the story of a couple’s vulnerable journey through wartime Prague. In an exclusive interview with the New York Jewish Film Festival, Czech director Marek Najbrt muses on his latest film, Protector, the Czech film industry, and bicycles.

NYJFF: We know of both the glory days of Czech film and the suspension of cinematographic freedom during the Soviet era. How would you define this post-Soviet era of Czech film, and where does Protector fit in?  Click to continue »

Posted in Exhibitions, Film | 4 Responses »
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“Mary and Max” with Director Adam Elliot

Thursday, December 17th, 2009

Mary and Max director Adam Elliot sits down for an exclusive interview with The New York Jewish Film Festival. His latest film, building on the success of his previous Oscar-winning claymation hit Harvie Krumpet, is a highly original, tastefully assembled tragicomedy about the lives of two pen pals living a world apart, but their friendship for one another is closer than ever. In our interview, Elliot talks about his inspirations, the inferiority of Computer Generated Images, and childhood.

“My father was an acrobatic clown,” says Elliot. “Entertainment is in my blood.”

Recalling his childhood, Elliot always felt deep empathy for kids who were bullied in school, and childhood memories are where Elliot derives many of the thoughts behind his stories. As a kid, he corresponded regularly with his New York Jewish pen friend, embodied in Max’s character. Click to continue »

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Happy Hanukkah

Friday, December 11th, 2009

Joe Grand’s Galvanized Steel Candelabra is the hot menorah of the season, getting picked by The New York Times and National Public Radio in the last week. I love its cool combination of thrift and style, funk and elegance. Assembled from iron pipe fittings from Home Depot, the DIY attitude exudes the 21st century Hanukkah spirit of improvisation and renewal.

Listen to an excellent report on Reinventing Ritual by Margot Adler that just aired on NPR’s Morning Edition. And read about Jonathan Adler’s visit to The Jewish Museum shops in pursuit of Hanukkah chic.

And finally, a shout out to our friends at Hazon’s food blog The Jew and the Carrot, which always has great holiday recipes and stories. I find particularly informative this guide to latke frying oil. Best wishes for a fun filled celebration.

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