Jews on the Silver Screen Session 6 — Spielberg before Schindler: How Jewish?

Over eight enlightening weeks, the Community Scholar Program will delve into the tapestry of Jewish representation, both overt and subtle, in Hollywood’s history. From the pioneering Jewish visionaries who shaped global cinema to the enduring fascination with biblical narratives and the layers they hold, they uncover the intersections of culture and storytelling. They also confront and deconstruct stereotypes through the lens of Jewish gangsters and explore how cinema has exposed and healed societal ills. As they transition to adaptations of literature and the works of renowned directors like Steven Spielberg, they question the Jewish elements that lie beneath the surface. At the end of the series, they spotlight the roles of Jewish women in the industry and explore both the visible and invisible aspects of Jewishness in film, from unspoken identities to bold declarations. Spielberg before Schindler: How Jewish?

I. ET: A Story of Exile and Return?

II. The Twilight Zone: A Jewish View of Aging

III. The Lost Ark and the Battle between Good and Evil