“Jews have been deeply involved in American cinema from its inception,” Goldman said. “They have been producers, directors, writers, actors and production crew. They have also been the subject of films, sometimes peripherally, sometimes
In recognition of this history, and commemorating the 350th anniversary of American Jewish history, the Center for Jewish Studies at Queens College is sponsoring this unique symposium at the Lefrak Concert Hall from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., with a supper break from 5-7:30 pm.
This national symposium adopts a somewhat different approach and perspective on the topic of Jews and film. “Films often serve as a mirror to society, frequently reflecting and exposing the times in which they are created,” said event co-chair Benny Kraut, the director of the Center for Jewish Studies, director of the Jewish Studies Program, and professor of history at Queens College. “Our one-day conclave explores how American cinema reveals and helps us understand the American Jewish historical experience at specific intervals during the 20th century.”
Following an opening session evaluating the historical reasons for Jewish entry into the film and entertainment industries, subsequent sessions will focus on analyzing films from different eras that capture the American Jewish social and cultural reality of their day. Nationally renowned scholars, critics, and filmmakers, in presentations augmented by film clips and audience participation, will probe these themes, stimulating thinking and conversation about the evolving American Jewish community over the last century.
Films to be discussed include “The Jazz Singer,” “Mr. Saturday Night,” “The Pawnbroker” and “Avalon.” Among the participants are Steven Allen Carr, David Desser, Lester D. Friedman, Eric A. Goldman, Eleanor Hamerow, Jenna Weissman Joselit, Rachel V. Lyon, Leonard Quart, Neal Slavin, Donald Weber, and Evan Zimroth.
The 2001 film “Focus,” starring William H. Macy and Laura Dern, will be screened during the final session, followed by a discussion with the film's creator, Neal Slavin. “Focus” was based on the 1945 Arthur Miller novel of the same title, which explored social perception and discrimination in 1940s America.
“We have some of the most knowledgeable and dynamic experts on Jewish themes in cinema leading discussions at this event,” said Goldman, film program curator for the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research at the Center for Jewish History and artistic director of the Jack Wolgin Jewish Film Festival in Philadelphia, as well as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Media Studies at Queens College. “The panels will touch upon many themes of interest to those interested both in Judaica, film or both.”
The admission fee is $25; $15 for matriculating Queens College students. The fee includes admission to all sessions, buffet lunch, and mid-afternoon refreshments. To register and obtain a reserved seat, call the Colden Box Office at 718-793-8080. Supper on the campus may be purchased for an additional fee of $20. Supper reservations must be made only through the Center for Jewish Studies, 718-997-5730, and must be prepaid. All food and meals are kosher. Later registration will be accepted 9-10 a.m. on the morning of the event in the Concert Hall foyer. Queens College is located at 65-30 Kissena Blvd. in Flushing.
For further information on the program and bios of participants go to qcpages.qc.edu/Jewish_Studies/filmsymposium.html or call the Center for Jewish Studies at 718-997-5730.
