The Jewish Experience: Three Personal Family Narratives (Documentary Shorts)

Presented in partnership with the Rhode Island International Film Festival and the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center

Three personal family stories about Jewish heritage.

My Ioannina Odyssey | Directed by Gary Glassman and Manya Glassman
When a mysterious box arrives on my doorstep, its century-old ship manifests, family photos, and crumbling documents launch an odyssey to Ioannina, a medieval walled city in the mountains of northern Greece. Home to the Romaniotes, an ancient Greek Jewish people, Ioannina is where history and myth merge in my family lore. There, with my wife and daughter, we uncover a story of miracles and murder, love and loss, and prophecies that come true.

Now It’s a Strange House | Directed by Ethan Rosenthal Grossman and Cate Knothe
Through newly rediscovered 30-year-old videotapes of Ethan’s great-grandmother and recently captured digital footage, Now It’s a Strange House explores how the small German village of Eubigheim grapples with the history of its Nazification.

Amid the resurgence of German fascism and far-right politics, the townspeople are forced to confront forgotten narratives and the unsettling truth that they may be less accepting than they once believed.

Kicking the Family Curse | Directed by Aviya Shaked
Aviya makes no secret of the fact that she dreams of the perfect romantic relationship, but first she must come to terms with the disastrous life partnerships of her mother and numerous aunts. Using interview material and graphic art, and with a great deal of compassion and humour, Aviya delves into critical decisions these women made in their youth and asks the ultimate questions about romantic love: Is it attainable? Can it last? And what are the factors that contribute to us choosing the people least likely to bring us happiness?

Runtime: Approximately 95 minutes, followed by a conversation and Q&A with filmmakers Gary Glassman and Manya Glassman. We are also pleased to welcome filmmakers Ethan Rosenthal Grossman and Cate Knothe, who are expected to attend the world premiere of Now It’s a Strange House.

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