PRESS RELEASE
ME AND THE JEWISH THING
A Documentary Study of Cultural Differences
Two cultures – both and – neither nor!? The Danish and Jewish film director, Ulrik Gutkin, joined the identity debate at full speed when he and his girl friend, Signe, had a baby boy. For generations – maybe even for thousands of years – all baby boys in Ulrik’s family had been circumcised. So, naturally, Felix was going to be circumcised as well.
Ulrik has no doubts: He is a non-religious Dane of Jewish origin. Signe has no doubts: She is a non-religious Dane of Christian origin. But, what is Felix then?! They both agree that Felix is a mixture. However, as far as Felix’s cultural heritage is concerned, they can’t come to terms.
“Here I am – the last bastion– guarding Felix’s foreskin” A statement from Signe that convinces Ulrik that he has to learn more about his own Jewish background in order to decide which Jewish family traditions to pass on to his son.
The more he talks about his own identity, the harder it is to find it! However, as the discussions with Signe continue, Ulrik becomes increasingly aware of his own identity and the importance of passing on his Jewish values to his son.
Having to compromise with one’s Jewish background when having a child with a non-Jewish partner – is a problem that Ulrik shares with many other Jews. More than 80% of all Danish Jews marry non-Jews – most frequently Danes with a Christian background.
Unlike most others, Ulrik and Signe decide not to keep their discussions within their own four walls. Felix is now four and a half years old, and the documentary will soon be broadcasted on Danish and Norwegian TV.
“Me and the Jewish Thing” is a humorous and frank documentary dealing with the existential questions that new parents with different cultural backgrounds will encounter, when deciding which family traditions to pass on.
“Signe considers all Jewish traditions to be religious as opposed to e.g. Christmas, which from Signe’s point of view is merely a Danish tradition – and not a particularly Christian one. I don’t feel that way. I have realized that Jewish traditions are important to me. I have dusted off the Chanukah chandelier – literally as well as in a figurative sense", says the director, who will not reveal whether Felix has been circumcised or not. The answer will be disclosed in the documentary.
The documentary has received financial support from The Danish Film Institute and The Danish Broadcasting Corporation, DR.
For more information, please contact:
hv@cphfilmcompany.dk