In the first American 21st century Yiddish language film, Menashe, a good-hearted but somewhat hapless grocery store clerk, struggles against tradition to keep custody of his only son after his wife passes away. A rare inside illumination of New York’s notoriously secretive ultra-Orthodox Jewish community, this film provides a compelling portrait of a father trying to do the best for his beloved son. As filmgoers, we learn about a different culture while appreciating the universality of Menashe’s story, which is based on the life of its star, Menashe Lustig, a liberal Hasid.
This program is made possible by the Lunder, Sam H. Cohen, and Bernard Osher Foundations.
“Menashe is a quiet triumph, pulling back when other films would go too far, delivering an engaging drama of intimate detail and considerable humanity.” the Guardian Review
“Incredibly special” Roger Ebert Review
“ (A) thoughtful beautiful film” Newsday
Film Details
Drama / Dir:Joshua Z Weinstein / Starring:Menashe Lustig, Yoel Falkowitz, Ruben Niborsk / USA/ 2017 / Yiddish w/ Eng ST / 82 min
Festivals
Sundance Festival; Berlin International Film Festival; Boston Jewish Film Festival; Jury Prize Deauville Film Festival; Visionary Award Sarasota Film Festival; Cleveland International Film Festival
