Chizfilm Jewish Movie Reviews FAQs

Chizfilm Jewish Movie Reviews is a website dedicated to the art of Jewish films. I, Jonathan Chisdes, founded the site. I write and publish reviews of Jewish movies as frequently as possible. Comments, criticisms, and suggestions are most welcome.

Who is Jonathan Chisdes?

I am an independent film critic based in Charlottesville, Virginia. To learn more about me, click here.

What is a “Jewish” film?

I’m glad you asked. Different people define “Jewish film” in different ways. For some, it’s a movie which deals directly with Jewish issues; for others it’s any film in which at least one character is Jewish; for still others, it’s a film which reinforces traditional Jewish values.

However, for the purposes of this website, I want to define “Jewish film” as broadly as possible. So for me, it’s any movie which may be of interest to Jews. This includes all movies with Jewish themes and Jewish characters. They don’t necessarily have to be traditional themes; in fact, I embrace films that struggle against Jewish tradition.

I include all Israeli films, even those which do not deal directly with Jewish religion or culture. Since Israel is a Jewish state and its culture should be of interest to all Jews, anything that reflects that culture is, by my definition, Jewish.

I will even go so far as to include films which do not directly deal with Jewish issues or have any Jewish characters if they at least possess themes which reflect the Jewish experience. For example, films that deal with African-American slavery, or Civil Rights, are films in which Jews can recognize their own struggle against Egyptian slavery or anti-Semitism, on a metaphorical level.

I also include the exact opposite of Jewish films—anti-Semitic films such as Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” or certain versions of “The Merchant of Venice.” Although they are offensive to Jews, they are films that I believe the Jewish community must take an interest in, if for no other reason to help understand our world and the forces of those who seek to injure us.

So basically, as I said, it comes down to the simple definition of any movie which should interest the Jewish community.

Where can I learn more about Jewish film?

Click here for links to other interesting sites dealing with Jewish movies and Jewish film festivals.

Where can I see Jewish films?

All films reviewed on this site, unless otherwise specifically noted, are playing in theatres or are available on DVD and can be bought or rented. Check out subscription services like Netflix or your local independent video store.

Also, keep abreast of Jewish film festivals. In the US, the two biggest are the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival and the New York Jewish Film Festival. Most major cities, and even some rather small ones, have their own festivals. Click here for a list of Jewish film festivals; more are continually being added, so check back frequently if you don’t yet see your home town listed.

Why a website dedicated to Jewish Film Reviews? What good does it do anyone?

I believe there are many Jewish people in this world who would enjoy seeing their experience reflected in film; there are many excellent—as well as less impressive, in my view—movies that do this. And while there are some sites which list catalogues of these films, there are none, to my knowledge, which will review them in depth to help potential viewers decide whether or not a particular film is worth seeing.

Why are there reviews of so many non-Jewish films in the archives?

Chizfilm began, in 2006, as a general movie review website; the change to specifically Jewish films occurred in October 2009. Reviews of older, non-Jewish films remain in the archives because some people might still find them interesting.

Why should I subscribe to Chizfilm Jewish Movie Reviews?

First of all, you will be notified the instant the site is updated and a new review is posted. Secondly, it’s a convenient way to forward reviews that you like to friends and family members.

For me, it helps to have an idea of how many people out there are interested and reading my reviews. It gives me more direct contact with you, my readers.

Your privacy is respected. Your e-mail address will never be shared with anyone for any reason.

To subscribe, click here.

I think this site is just great. How can I donate money?

Why thank you; much appreciated! However we do not take direct donations. The best ways to support the site are to visit our sponsors, subscribe to our update list, and to spread the word to your friends, family, and community.

How can I help spread the word about Chizfilm Jewish Movie Reviews?

Word of mouth is the best form of advertising. Feel free to forward links to my main page or to specific reviews to all your friends and family. Thank you.