What is anti-Semitism today, two generations after the Holocaust? In his continuing exploration of modern Israeli life, director Yoav Shamir (Checkpoint, 5 Days, Flipping Out) travels the world in search of the most modern manifestations of the “oldest hatred", and comes up with some startling answers.
In this irreverent quest, he follows American Jewish leaders to the capitals of Europe, as they warn government officials of the growing threat of anti-Semitism, and he tacks on to a class of Israeli high school students on a pilgrimage to Auschwitz.
The film questions our perceptions and terminology when an event proclaimed by some as anti-Semitic is described by others as legitimate criticism of Israel’s government policies. The film walks along the boundary between anti-Zionism, rejecting the notion of a Jewish State, and anti-Semitism, rejecting Jews. Is the former being used to excuse the latter? And is there a difference between today’s anti-Semitism and plain old racism that is affecting all minorities?
Film: Defamation
Release date: 25th October 2010
Certificate: E
Running time: 91 mins
Director: Yoav Shamir
Starring: Uri Avneri, Norman Finkelstein, Abraham Foxman, John Mearsheimer
Genre: Documentary
Studio: Dogwoof
Format: DVD
Country: Israel
DVD Special Features:
• Director’s statement
• Stills gallery
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