FURTHER ABOUT THE FILM
ME AND THE JEWISH THING, 43 MINUTES
Methodical access
“Me and the Jewish Thing” is a documentary study. The director is the main character and the pivotal point is his family, friends, and acquaintances. The structure of the documentary is dramaturgically, beginning with the conflict evolving around the circumcision of the baby boy leading on to the decision whether to do it or not.
The focus of the documentary is the personal quest of the director: “What does it mean to be a Jew and why is it so important to figure that out?” The director tries to answer these questions through long intimate talks with his girlfriend and his other friends, comparing these talks to the memories and reflections of his own Jewish family background.
The Tone of the Documentary
The tone of the documentary is characterized by intimate talks primarily to friends of a similar cultural background. The intimacy that springs from the fact that the director knows the people he talks to very well clears the way for many confronting yet funny situations.
The Aim of the Documentary
Through the director’s study of his own Judaism the documentary paints a picture of a minority that is considered a classic example of a group of immigrants that has managed to hold on to the main part of its Jewish characteristics in spite of its successful integration in the Danish society. At the same time the documentary describes a group of people in transformation – a group that has to deal with new problems arising from the assimilation that is taking place.
The story of a modern Danish-Jewish family, representing a minority group that plays an important part in Danish society, is a valuable contribution to the ongoing immigration debate. It is a story of successful integration, but also of the inner conflict that arises when you realize that you have to take new measures in order to keep your cultural and religious roots alive.
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