Suburban Witch
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Satire, Drama
"Suburban Witch" tackles the complex experiences Jewish people face when it comes to the antisemitic stereotype of the "Jewish nose." Following two young Jewish girls on their separate and later connected stories of self-acceptance, "Suburban Witch" acts as a form of resilience against oppression.
Suburban Witch
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Satire, Drama
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $8,472 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
34 supporters | followers
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"Suburban Witch" tackles the complex experiences Jewish people face when it comes to the antisemitic stereotype of the "Jewish nose." Following two young Jewish girls on their separate and later connected stories of self-acceptance, "Suburban Witch" acts as a form of resilience against oppression.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Hi! My name is Lily Emalfarb, and I’m a Jewish filmmaker from a northern suburb of Chicago, Illinois. While most of my life experiences would be best conveyed through comedy, I wanted to make a more dramatic film that touched on Jewish experiences that aren’t often discussed in the media, as well as the deeply rooted history that comes with them.
A few years ago I discovered that the antisemitic term "Jewish nose" was coined in 1850 by anthropologist in Robert Knox, who described Jews as having “a large, massive, club-shaped, hooked nose, three or four times larger than fits the face...Thus it is that the Jewish face never can [be], and never is, perfectly beautiful.”
An excerpt from page 134 of Robert Knox's book "The Races of Men" (1850)
Once I discovered the antisemitic origins associated with my ethnic facial feature, I felt compelled to incorporate my own personal experiences into a film debunking that concept. My journey of contemplating rhinoplasty to ultimately deciding I didn't want to go through with the surgical procedure was a big part of my teenage years. I felt pressure not just from people outside of the Jewish community, but from those in the Jewish community as well. This film is a true story that is based on my real-life experiences. Growing up, I received countless questions about my ethnicity, being that I have a large, hooked nose, and along with it, told that I looked like a witch. The title of this film acts as a resistance to the bigoted adjectives I’ve been called, as well as my reclamation of the word “witch.”
Given that this film touches not only on my real-life experience of not only contemplating rhinoplasty and going to a plastic surgeon, but also on the societal pressure I faced both in and outside of my school to change this "Jewish feature," I am the only one who can tell this story because it’s my story. The concept behind this film is not an easy or light one, but it’s one I feel is important and should be addressed. It’s one I feel compelled to explore. What I hope not only Jewish audience members, but all audience members, will get out of this is a better understanding of not just the history behind where the term "Jewish nose" originated, but a better understanding of how growing up Jewish in a world where antisemitism very much exists impacts one’s self-esteem, and forces them to question changing a physical part of themselves in order to fit in.
A photo of myself reading from the Torah during my Bat Mitzvah
Even when I was much younger, I was aware of my hooked nose and the antisemitic connotations that people associated with it and with my being Jewish. It was when I was in high school that I saw nearly every other Jewish girl who had a nose that wasn’t flat rushed to the plastic surgeon on their sixteenth birthday. One of the film’s protagonists, Marnie, is among those girls who go through with getting a nose job. While this film touches on my experience on the outside looking in, it also delves into my experience of going to the plastic surgeon myself. The other protagonist of the film, Lily, is based on my real-life experience contemplating rhinoplasty, as well as my actual conversation with the plastic surgeon. While Marnie and Lily’s stories eventually meet, "Suburban Witch" tells multiple stories in one, though they all are tied together through rhinoplasty.
I truly believe that there could not be a more important time to see more Jewish stories on screen, and Jewish representation both on screen and behind the scenes. In the past year, according to the Anti-Defamation League, antisemitism in the United States has increased by 34%, and assaults on Jews have increased by 167%. While the Jewish people have always been targeted and exiled peoples, we’re living in an even more extreme time period where antisemitism has been given room to resurface. This project is important not only because it touches on a scarcely known history of the Jewish nose, but because of its defiance and reclamation of an ethnically charged stereotype and trait.
Another photo from my Bat Mitzvah
My vision for this film is to combine the obscure with reality. I want this film to feel uncomfortable and eerie at times, but also oddly familiar. This film will make you feel as if you’re under a surgical lamp at all times. Taking inspiration from Tim Burton, much of this film will be told through perspectives, fish-eye lenses, close-ups, and intimate shots of our characters.
Me at my Bat Mitzvah
This film acts not only as a commentary on nose jobs in Jewish culture, but it serves as an act of self-acceptance, love, and of reclaiming the antisemitic stereotype of the Jewish nose itself. There are and have always been seemingly endless and damaging antisemitic conspiracy theories about Jews controlling Hollywood, which is why I’m even more compelled to share this story through my own eyes. There are so many stories yet to be told when it comes to the Jewish culture, and I’m here to make sure that happens with "Suburban Witch."
Despite vaccinations being available, our team is aware that the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing, and we will be enforcing strict COVID guidelines on our set. With isolation at an all-time high and social contact at an all-time low, creating art is one way we can all stay connected during this pandemic.
Our writer/director is a certified COVID-19 compliance officer, and will be ensuring that all cast and crew members get daily COVID tests during our filming weekend, as well as taking temperatures throughout the day. We will require all cast and crew to follow COVID mask protocols at all times. All of the funds will be going towards our incredible cast and crew who have been working tirelessly to bring this film to life.
Before we enter production, our team is working on pre-production, which includes finalizing cast and additional crew members, securing locations, props, costumes, prosthetics and makeup, as well as additional costs that come up.
Thank you! Make sure to follow @suburbanwitchfilm on Instagram to stay up to date with our project!
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Camera Equipment
Costs $1,500
We need an amazing camera to capture the sharp satire unfolding in this piece!
Location
Costs $3,000
You know what they say: It's all about location, location, location!
Transportation
Costs $300
Everyone needs a ride to set so support us in making sure all our cast and crew gets there on time!
Makeup and Wardrobe
Costs $1,000
Beauty isn't skin deep but we still need amazing hair and makeup and cool costumes to make our film!
Production Design
Costs $500
A picture paints a thousand words and a well-designed set has an equally dazzling effect!
Craft Services
Costs $500
A film set needs food, drinks, and lots of snacks to keep everyone happy!
Props
Costs $200
Additional props will elevate our film to the next level!
Post-Production
Costs $2,000
Wait and see what makes the cut! Editing is essential to cinema!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Lily Emalfarb (she/her) Writer/Director: Lily Emalfarb is a Jewish filmmaker with an interest in comedy who works towards putting more Jewish representation onscreen and creating opportunities for Jewish filmmakers. She has been selected to work with programs such as the Jewish United Federation and the Jewish Federations of North America, and she is extremely excited to be bringing this important story to life.
MJ Adamson (they/he/she), Hayley Nash (she/her), Lizzie Keller (she/her), and Aspen Nelson (they/them) ONYX Films Producers Team: ONYX Films is a nonbinary and female-led production company with the goal of introducing more stories about underrepresented folks to the film industry. We aim to create a place for inclusive storytelling by providing a platform for the LGBTQ+ community, female and nonbinary people of color, and much more. We believe that in providing this unique platform, we create more diverse and authentic stories - the kind our industry and the world so desperately need.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Hi! My name is Lily Emalfarb, and I’m a Jewish filmmaker from a northern suburb of Chicago, Illinois. While most of my life experiences would be best conveyed through comedy, I wanted to make a more dramatic film that touched on Jewish experiences that aren’t often discussed in the media, as well as the deeply rooted history that comes with them.
A few years ago I discovered that the antisemitic term "Jewish nose" was coined in 1850 by anthropologist in Robert Knox, who described Jews as having “a large, massive, club-shaped, hooked nose, three or four times larger than fits the face...Thus it is that the Jewish face never can [be], and never is, perfectly beautiful.”
An excerpt from page 134 of Robert Knox's book "The Races of Men" (1850)
Once I discovered the antisemitic origins associated with my ethnic facial feature, I felt compelled to incorporate my own personal experiences into a film debunking that concept. My journey of contemplating rhinoplasty to ultimately deciding I didn't want to go through with the surgical procedure was a big part of my teenage years. I felt pressure not just from people outside of the Jewish community, but from those in the Jewish community as well. This film is a true story that is based on my real-life experiences. Growing up, I received countless questions about my ethnicity, being that I have a large, hooked nose, and along with it, told that I looked like a witch. The title of this film acts as a resistance to the bigoted adjectives I’ve been called, as well as my reclamation of the word “witch.”
Given that this film touches not only on my real-life experience of not only contemplating rhinoplasty and going to a plastic surgeon, but also on the societal pressure I faced both in and outside of my school to change this "Jewish feature," I am the only one who can tell this story because it’s my story. The concept behind this film is not an easy or light one, but it’s one I feel is important and should be addressed. It’s one I feel compelled to explore. What I hope not only Jewish audience members, but all audience members, will get out of this is a better understanding of not just the history behind where the term "Jewish nose" originated, but a better understanding of how growing up Jewish in a world where antisemitism very much exists impacts one’s self-esteem, and forces them to question changing a physical part of themselves in order to fit in.
A photo of myself reading from the Torah during my Bat Mitzvah
Even when I was much younger, I was aware of my hooked nose and the antisemitic connotations that people associated with it and with my being Jewish. It was when I was in high school that I saw nearly every other Jewish girl who had a nose that wasn’t flat rushed to the plastic surgeon on their sixteenth birthday. One of the film’s protagonists, Marnie, is among those girls who go through with getting a nose job. While this film touches on my experience on the outside looking in, it also delves into my experience of going to the plastic surgeon myself. The other protagonist of the film, Lily, is based on my real-life experience contemplating rhinoplasty, as well as my actual conversation with the plastic surgeon. While Marnie and Lily’s stories eventually meet, "Suburban Witch" tells multiple stories in one, though they all are tied together through rhinoplasty.
I truly believe that there could not be a more important time to see more Jewish stories on screen, and Jewish representation both on screen and behind the scenes. In the past year, according to the Anti-Defamation League, antisemitism in the United States has increased by 34%, and assaults on Jews have increased by 167%. While the Jewish people have always been targeted and exiled peoples, we’re living in an even more extreme time period where antisemitism has been given room to resurface. This project is important not only because it touches on a scarcely known history of the Jewish nose, but because of its defiance and reclamation of an ethnically charged stereotype and trait.
Another photo from my Bat Mitzvah
My vision for this film is to combine the obscure with reality. I want this film to feel uncomfortable and eerie at times, but also oddly familiar. This film will make you feel as if you’re under a surgical lamp at all times. Taking inspiration from Tim Burton, much of this film will be told through perspectives, fish-eye lenses, close-ups, and intimate shots of our characters.
Me at my Bat Mitzvah
This film acts not only as a commentary on nose jobs in Jewish culture, but it serves as an act of self-acceptance, love, and of reclaiming the antisemitic stereotype of the Jewish nose itself. There are and have always been seemingly endless and damaging antisemitic conspiracy theories about Jews controlling Hollywood, which is why I’m even more compelled to share this story through my own eyes. There are so many stories yet to be told when it comes to the Jewish culture, and I’m here to make sure that happens with "Suburban Witch."
Despite vaccinations being available, our team is aware that the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing, and we will be enforcing strict COVID guidelines on our set. With isolation at an all-time high and social contact at an all-time low, creating art is one way we can all stay connected during this pandemic.
Our writer/director is a certified COVID-19 compliance officer, and will be ensuring that all cast and crew members get daily COVID tests during our filming weekend, as well as taking temperatures throughout the day. We will require all cast and crew to follow COVID mask protocols at all times. All of the funds will be going towards our incredible cast and crew who have been working tirelessly to bring this film to life.
Before we enter production, our team is working on pre-production, which includes finalizing cast and additional crew members, securing locations, props, costumes, prosthetics and makeup, as well as additional costs that come up.
Thank you! Make sure to follow @suburbanwitchfilm on Instagram to stay up to date with our project!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Camera Equipment
Costs $1,500
We need an amazing camera to capture the sharp satire unfolding in this piece!
Location
Costs $3,000
You know what they say: It's all about location, location, location!
Transportation
Costs $300
Everyone needs a ride to set so support us in making sure all our cast and crew gets there on time!
Makeup and Wardrobe
Costs $1,000
Beauty isn't skin deep but we still need amazing hair and makeup and cool costumes to make our film!
Production Design
Costs $500
A picture paints a thousand words and a well-designed set has an equally dazzling effect!
Craft Services
Costs $500
A film set needs food, drinks, and lots of snacks to keep everyone happy!
Props
Costs $200
Additional props will elevate our film to the next level!
Post-Production
Costs $2,000
Wait and see what makes the cut! Editing is essential to cinema!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Lily Emalfarb (she/her) Writer/Director: Lily Emalfarb is a Jewish filmmaker with an interest in comedy who works towards putting more Jewish representation onscreen and creating opportunities for Jewish filmmakers. She has been selected to work with programs such as the Jewish United Federation and the Jewish Federations of North America, and she is extremely excited to be bringing this important story to life.
MJ Adamson (they/he/she), Hayley Nash (she/her), Lizzie Keller (she/her), and Aspen Nelson (they/them) ONYX Films Producers Team: ONYX Films is a nonbinary and female-led production company with the goal of introducing more stories about underrepresented folks to the film industry. We aim to create a place for inclusive storytelling by providing a platform for the LGBTQ+ community, female and nonbinary people of color, and much more. We believe that in providing this unique platform, we create more diverse and authentic stories - the kind our industry and the world so desperately need.