Jewface
New York City, New York | Film Short
Comedy, Satire
JEWFACE invites us to laugh, to cry, and to see ourselves reflected in a time where antisemitism is skyrocketing. JEWFACE is a refusal to let our identity be flattened, weaponized, or erased.
Jewface
New York City, New York | Film Short
Comedy, Satire
2 Campaigns | New York, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $60,595 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
511 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
JEWFACE invites us to laugh, to cry, and to see ourselves reflected in a time where antisemitism is skyrocketing. JEWFACE is a refusal to let our identity be flattened, weaponized, or erased.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Miri Cantor’s life is f*%#ed. She’s single. She’s broke. She can’t even get hired for “Jew: The Musical!” Convinced her childhood rhinoplasty is the root of her arrested development, Miri embarks on a reckless mission to reset her life - by attempting to re-break her own nose.
THANK YOU for getting us to our baseline goal! Now let's make sure JEWFACE has the resources it needs to make the biggest impact possible!!!
 (5 x 5 in) (3 x 2 in) (20 x 10 in) (4).png)
"JEWFACE" is a derogatory term for inauthentic, stereotypical portrayals of Jewish people in media, often involving heavy makeup (like prosthetic noses) and exaggerated accents, and also refers to non-Jewish actors playing Jewish roles, sparking debates about representation in entertainment.
You might look at "JEWFACE" and feel jarred or uncomfortable. Some might feel a sense of pride or even defiance. Some might think there's no issue. All of these feelings are valid and we welcome them all.
If you could undo the one thing about yourself you feel is preventing you from living your most authentic, fully expressed, most abundant life, would you?
JEWFACE was inspired by writer/director Melissa's personal story, having had a rhinoplasty at 16. Whether to conform to a more accepted standard of beauty, as a means of assimilation, or to correct a deviated septum, "nose-jobs," especially for young women, were a common occurrence in Melissa's community, and in many Jewish communities across America.
JEWFACE follows Miri Cantor, who, approaching 40, struggles to understand why her life is not working out - her career is at a stand-still, her finances are dwindling, and her romantic life - non-existent.
Miri feels invisible. She feels misunderstood. She believes the only logical explanation for her struggles lies in the rhinoplasty she underwent at 16—a surgery that effectively erased her identity. The only way forward, she thinks, is to re-break her own nose and thus, reset her life.
Will Miri triumph and find the "JewJew" she so desires?
At a time where anti-semitism is at an all time high, JEWFACE invites us to question our biases, and to consider the humanity of a Jewish woman grappling with her identity.
JEWFACE feels provocative, urgent, and necessary.
To quote one of our brilliant producers, Jonas Cohen, "What is a Jewish face? Who gets to decide? Why do Jews have to be palatable to be accepted? Why does everyone feel entitled to judge the Jewish face they see?”
JEWFACE is critical. Though Jews have been steadily represented on screen, JEWISH WOMEN have been portrayed in overwhelmingly negative and stereotypical lights. Queerness has become politicized, leaving individuals who don't ascribe to extremes alone in the dark. Seeing ourselves reflected has profound effect on how we carry ourselves in the world, and how we perceive and interact with each other.
JEWFACE is funny. Though times are dark, as are aspects of this film, it is a comedy! We need humor to survive, especially in challenging times, and though Jews are NOT a monolith, we have perfected the art of self-deprecating humor. We invite you to laugh with Miri (cringing is ok too!) as she finds herself pushing boundaries in pursuit of her deepest desires.
JEWFACE is nostalgic. Get ready for a Bat Mitzvah party set in 1997, complete with candle-lighting, “snowball,” Steven Spielberg (you read that right!), and the hora. You are welcome.
JEWFACE is human. Though culturally specific, we can all identify with Miri's story. It's time for us to see ourselves in each other's struggles, heartbreaks, joys, and triumphs.
MELISSA CENTER (Writer/Director, MIRI)
ASHER GRODMAN (DAVE aka "Hot Jewish Guy")
BOAZ FREUND (Director of Photography)
OLIVIA VESSEL (Editor)
AMY DEPAOLA (Producer), BROOKE TRANTOR (Producer), ANNA ALTMAN (Producer)
MARA JILL HERMAN (Consulting Producer), CARIS VUJCEC (Consulting Producer)
 (5 x 5 in) (3 x 2 in) (1).png)
ASSOCIATE PRODUCING TEAM:
JONAS COHEN, LINDSAY FABES, CARI HAIM, TONI MARGARET NEMAZI,
JANE ELIAS, ALI COHEN, ANTOINETTE LAYT, HARRY KAUFMAN, LUKE HICHMAN, BEN SAMSON
Our BASELINE goal of $50,000 means we can go into production. For our department heads to have the resources we envision, our goal is $60,000.
To get our film edited and ready for the world, our goal is to raise $65,000.
.png)
Hollywood production is at an all time low. Grants are harder and harder to come by. Many cultural institutions are disregarding Jewish storytellers because it is deemed politically "risky" and all around unpopular. It takes courageous individuals to say YES to original human stories - especially Jewish stories in this current climate.
This is also a climate in which queer artists feel increasingly scared and vulnerable. Jewface is a story that features queerness not as the "main event," but as an organic part of the main character's experience.
Your contribution shows us we, as human beings, matter.
Lastly, AI is coming for us all. Though technological advancement is inevitable, human beings need jobs! Your contribution ensures a team of talented, passionate, hard-working artists and craftspeople will get paid for their services.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
CAST
Costs $5,000
We have many actors to hire to fill in the world of JEWFACE!
Above-the-line Production Team
Costs $10,000
We'd love to hire a casting director in addition to compensating our hard-working writer/director & producing team for making movie magic!
Department Heads
Costs $10,050
A movie takes a village of artisans! These funds go towards our D.P, Production Designer, Sound Recordist, Makeup/Hair & Costume Designers
Crew
Costs $13,000
Crews are the lifeblood of a movie!
Production Design
Costs $4,000
Costumes, Props, a Prosthetic (oh my!)
Locations
Costs $2,000
We have several key locations to bring JEWFACE to life: A 90's Bat Mitzvah venue, Mom & Dad's house, Boxing Gym, Liquor Store, Restaurant
Gnosh
Costs $3,000
Hungry Jews get hangry - please help feed us!
Gear
Costs $2,950
Lighting equipment, Hard drives & additional expendables
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
It takes a village to make a film & JEWFACE is no exception!
Team JEWFACE is filled with a diverse group of artists & producers - veteran and newcomers, Jewish and non-Jewish alike.
We are #BLESSED with an incredible team who collectively believes in this story.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Miri Cantor’s life is f*%#ed. She’s single. She’s broke. She can’t even get hired for “Jew: The Musical!” Convinced her childhood rhinoplasty is the root of her arrested development, Miri embarks on a reckless mission to reset her life - by attempting to re-break her own nose.
THANK YOU for getting us to our baseline goal! Now let's make sure JEWFACE has the resources it needs to make the biggest impact possible!!!
"JEWFACE" is a derogatory term for inauthentic, stereotypical portrayals of Jewish people in media, often involving heavy makeup (like prosthetic noses) and exaggerated accents, and also refers to non-Jewish actors playing Jewish roles, sparking debates about representation in entertainment.
You might look at "JEWFACE" and feel jarred or uncomfortable. Some might feel a sense of pride or even defiance. Some might think there's no issue. All of these feelings are valid and we welcome them all.
If you could undo the one thing about yourself you feel is preventing you from living your most authentic, fully expressed, most abundant life, would you?
JEWFACE was inspired by writer/director Melissa's personal story, having had a rhinoplasty at 16. Whether to conform to a more accepted standard of beauty, as a means of assimilation, or to correct a deviated septum, "nose-jobs," especially for young women, were a common occurrence in Melissa's community, and in many Jewish communities across America.
JEWFACE follows Miri Cantor, who, approaching 40, struggles to understand why her life is not working out - her career is at a stand-still, her finances are dwindling, and her romantic life - non-existent.
Miri feels invisible. She feels misunderstood. She believes the only logical explanation for her struggles lies in the rhinoplasty she underwent at 16—a surgery that effectively erased her identity. The only way forward, she thinks, is to re-break her own nose and thus, reset her life.
Will Miri triumph and find the "JewJew" she so desires?
At a time where anti-semitism is at an all time high, JEWFACE invites us to question our biases, and to consider the humanity of a Jewish woman grappling with her identity.
JEWFACE feels provocative, urgent, and necessary.
To quote one of our brilliant producers, Jonas Cohen, "What is a Jewish face? Who gets to decide? Why do Jews have to be palatable to be accepted? Why does everyone feel entitled to judge the Jewish face they see?”
JEWFACE is critical. Though Jews have been steadily represented on screen, JEWISH WOMEN have been portrayed in overwhelmingly negative and stereotypical lights. Queerness has become politicized, leaving individuals who don't ascribe to extremes alone in the dark. Seeing ourselves reflected has profound effect on how we carry ourselves in the world, and how we perceive and interact with each other.
JEWFACE is funny. Though times are dark, as are aspects of this film, it is a comedy! We need humor to survive, especially in challenging times, and though Jews are NOT a monolith, we have perfected the art of self-deprecating humor. We invite you to laugh with Miri (cringing is ok too!) as she finds herself pushing boundaries in pursuit of her deepest desires.
JEWFACE is nostalgic. Get ready for a Bat Mitzvah party set in 1997, complete with candle-lighting, “snowball,” Steven Spielberg (you read that right!), and the hora. You are welcome.
JEWFACE is human. Though culturally specific, we can all identify with Miri's story. It's time for us to see ourselves in each other's struggles, heartbreaks, joys, and triumphs.
MELISSA CENTER (Writer/Director, MIRI)
ASHER GRODMAN (DAVE aka "Hot Jewish Guy")
BOAZ FREUND (Director of Photography)
OLIVIA VESSEL (Editor)
AMY DEPAOLA (Producer), BROOKE TRANTOR (Producer), ANNA ALTMAN (Producer)
MARA JILL HERMAN (Consulting Producer), CARIS VUJCEC (Consulting Producer)
ASSOCIATE PRODUCING TEAM:
JONAS COHEN, LINDSAY FABES, CARI HAIM, TONI MARGARET NEMAZI,
JANE ELIAS, ALI COHEN, ANTOINETTE LAYT, HARRY KAUFMAN, LUKE HICHMAN, BEN SAMSON
Our BASELINE goal of $50,000 means we can go into production. For our department heads to have the resources we envision, our goal is $60,000.
To get our film edited and ready for the world, our goal is to raise $65,000.
Hollywood production is at an all time low. Grants are harder and harder to come by. Many cultural institutions are disregarding Jewish storytellers because it is deemed politically "risky" and all around unpopular. It takes courageous individuals to say YES to original human stories - especially Jewish stories in this current climate.
This is also a climate in which queer artists feel increasingly scared and vulnerable. Jewface is a story that features queerness not as the "main event," but as an organic part of the main character's experience.
Your contribution shows us we, as human beings, matter.
Lastly, AI is coming for us all. Though technological advancement is inevitable, human beings need jobs! Your contribution ensures a team of talented, passionate, hard-working artists and craftspeople will get paid for their services.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
CAST
Costs $5,000
We have many actors to hire to fill in the world of JEWFACE!
Above-the-line Production Team
Costs $10,000
We'd love to hire a casting director in addition to compensating our hard-working writer/director & producing team for making movie magic!
Department Heads
Costs $10,050
A movie takes a village of artisans! These funds go towards our D.P, Production Designer, Sound Recordist, Makeup/Hair & Costume Designers
Crew
Costs $13,000
Crews are the lifeblood of a movie!
Production Design
Costs $4,000
Costumes, Props, a Prosthetic (oh my!)
Locations
Costs $2,000
We have several key locations to bring JEWFACE to life: A 90's Bat Mitzvah venue, Mom & Dad's house, Boxing Gym, Liquor Store, Restaurant
Gnosh
Costs $3,000
Hungry Jews get hangry - please help feed us!
Gear
Costs $2,950
Lighting equipment, Hard drives & additional expendables
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
It takes a village to make a film & JEWFACE is no exception!
Team JEWFACE is filled with a diverse group of artists & producers - veteran and newcomers, Jewish and non-Jewish alike.
We are #BLESSED with an incredible team who collectively believes in this story.