SQUEEZE

Speaking Engagements and Workshops (Continued)

 

WOMEN OF THE WALL traces the history and present status of a Jerusalem women’s prayer group which has been fighting for 24 years for the right to pray at the Western Wall. Their story raises key questions about government control over religious expression in modern Israel.

 

Post Screening Discussion:

I’ve used this film in dozens of organizational and educational settings within the Jewish community to examine critical questions about religious equality and civil rights in Israel, separation of religion and state, and the intertwining of feminism and Judaism. In a camp setting for Jewish girls it works as an inspiring story about feminism, women's rights and Judaism, and can spark discussion about women of all ages taking responsibility for their own ritual practices.

 

HOLD THE SOUP Jewish grandmothers will think twice about offering up seconds after watching their sacred matzo balls turn to sport in this comedic short. Competitive eaters from across the country face off in a sloppy race for the title of World Matzo Ball Eating Champion in a contest held just before Passover. These "seasoned athletes" spanning the ethnic spectrum serve up some unique perspectives on Jewish cooking and dispel our myths about who loves Jewish food and why.

 

Post Screening Discussion:

Conversation can touch on questions of Jewish/ethnic identity formation, the role of food in culture and questions of boundary/culture-crossing, blending and blurring.

 

FACES OF THE FARM A work-in-progress traveling exhibit consisting of still photography and audio recordings. This project uses art as the medium to build connections between small-scale farmers and individual consumers, enlightening audiences with the thoughts and perspectives of real farmers and augmenting a political movement that supports local, organic food production. To date we have documented farmers in five states and will continue our work with farmers on the West coast in June 2007.

 

Post Screening Discussion:

Audiences can explore themes of food consumption and production, examine their own purchasing and eating practices and begin to question the current, accepted detachment from one’s food sources by considering alternative production and consumption models.