Defamation

Defamation

A personal search by award-winning Israeli director Yoav Shamir for better understanding of anti-Semitism is the focus of Defamation. Filming takes Shamir from Israel to many parts of the world.

The filmmaker deconstructs the concept of anti-Semitism in contemporary society by searching for its genesis, its effects and its face among ordinary individuals. The feature-length film has been shot in a hand-held cinema verité style, without archive or reconstructions. Shamir films individuals convinced that they will be persecuted no matter what and individuals who believe that persecution of Jews no longer exists. The narrative is propelled by individual stories from Jews and non-Jews, with experts on board to establish the big picture.

Shamir's focus: "When we are talking about anti-Semitism, what do we mean? What is anti-Semitism in a daily sense? Does it take different forms in different places? How serious is it? Is there a 'new anti-Semitism?' Is being an Israeli detachable from being a Jew?"

Defamation journeys through history, culture and philosophy. Opinions on anti-Semitism expressed by experts are posed to the man in the street. The numerous shoot locations create a mosaic of understanding, and, according to Shamir, "anti-Semitism is examined in a genuine manner, bereft of all the mythology and mysticism that can obfuscate discussion."

Is anti-Semitism on the rise or on the decline? With the U.S. now "secure", should resources be poured into other parts of the world - and if so, how? Defamation also explores the battle playing out among Jews: those who argue, as Abe Foxman, head of the ADL, does, that the stakes are so high that nothing can be taken for granted, or with those who see fear-mongering as a way to gain political clout and exert influence on policy.

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Price: $24.95

Hartley Update

Defamation opened in theaters in New York, Boston, LA and San Francisco the week of November 16, 2009.  It is screening in a number of temples and at many Jewish organizations.

How To Donate

All donations for Defamation are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

If you would like to make a donation online, please click here:

Donate to the Hartley Film Foundation

WINNER
Traverse City Film Festival

Special Jury Prize
Tribeca Film Festival

Nominated For
Best Documentary
European Film Award

Winner Grand Award
DMZ Docs Film Festival Korea

Winner Grierson Award
Best Documentary
London Film Festival

Winner
Special Mention
Tribeca Film Festival

Winner Audience Award
Documenta Madrid

Winner Best Research Award
Doc Aviv Film Festival

Winner
The Stanley Kubrick Award
Traverse City Film Festival

Winner Special Mention
Kosovo International Documentary Film Festival

Winner Audience Award
Warsaw Film Festival

Winner
for the BFI Grierson Awards

Special Mention Amnesty Award
CPH:DOX in Copenhagen, Denmark

WINNER - Grand Jury Prize
50th Festival dei Popolei International Film Festival

WINNER
Times BFI London Film Festival Grierson Award
Best Documentary

WINNER
Special Jury Award
Tribeca Film Festival

WINNER
Stanley Kubrick Award
Traverse City Film Festival

WINNER
Audience Award
Documenta Madrid

WINNER
Audience Award
Warsaw International Film Festival

WINNER
Special Mention
Kosovo International Documentary Film Festival

If you would like to explore films with similar themes, please click on Judaism.

Defamation

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