The Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival and University of Pennsylvania Cinema Studies present an intimate, behind-the-scenes Master Class on documentary filmmaking led by Israeli filmmaker Barak Heymann. Together with his brother, Tomer Heymann, Barak has created poignant documentaries that merge current social and political issues with the deeply personal. Their films – Paper Dolls, Bridge Over the Wadi, Lone Samaritan, The Queen Has No Crown, I Shot My Love, Mr. Gaga, and Who’s Gonna Love Me Now? – have garnered prestigious awards and screenings at festivals worldwide. We are pleased to offer students, PJFF patrons, and the Greater Philadelphia film community a unique opportunity to glean a greater understanding of the art form from one of Israel’s top documentary filmmakers.
In Barak’s informative and highly engaging documentary workshop, participants will learn about the role of documentary cinema as a social and political tool, as well as how to direct without a script, choose a hero for your story, and establish trust among documentary subjects. Barak will also discuss the Heymann Brothers’ unique filmmaking style, visualized and contextualized by scenes from MR. GAGA and other Heymann Brothers films.
After class, participants can eat, drink, and converse one-on-one with our visiting filmmaker at the complimentary reception being held in 135 Fisher-Bennett Hall, located in the ENGL Faculty Lounge.