This month marks the premiere of the comedian’s new film, which examines intergenerational trauma in the aftermath of the Holocaust at the Jewish Film Festival in London.
British Jews’ Response
According to author and comedian David Baddiel, British Jews are experiencing “race déjà vu” due to the “febrile, angry nature” of their responses to the conflict between Hamas and Israel.
After the premiere of his film, “My Father’s Secrets,” at the UK Jewish Film Festival, Baddiel expressed his regret that so many individuals had inquired whether the yearly festival, which seeks to portray the Jewish experience, would be canceled.
He described the situation in which hosting a film festival at this time as potentially hazardous, which is quite abhorrent.
The film adaptation of the acclaimed cartoonist Michel Kichka’s graphic novel, “My Father’s Secrets,” features the voices of Elliott Gould, Miriam Margolyes, and Tracy-Ann Oberman, in addition to Baddiel’s narration.
It is set in Belgium during the 1960s and tells the tale of two Jewish siblings who face challenges in communicating with their reclusive and circumspect father, Henri, who survived the Holocaust. The theme of intergenerational trauma is central.
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“I thought it was a truly touching and significant undertaking… On occasion, Holocaust survivors are portrayed in a slightly celestial light. “That is not real,” Baddiel remarked.
“The reality is that it causes psychological harm and is traumatic.” “I observed that in my own mother; it is thus that it is transmitted.”
Unique Preparations for the Festival
Although the festival is currently in its 27th year, preparations for 2023 had to be unique.
It transpired amidst contentious discussions surrounding pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Yet its existence remained concealed from the public by the absence of signs or posters outside London cinemas.
Baddiel is concerned that the disparity between British Jews’ perceptions and their actual experiences is widening.
“A presumption exists that Jews are oppressive, powerful, and privileged.” “Moreover, there is a prevailing sentiment that Jews are fearful and anxious at the moment, and there is a sense of déjà vu regarding their ancestry accompanied by a perpetual awareness of the tumultuous and irate nature of the situation outside.”
Security Concerns and Unity
UK Jewish Film CEO Michael Etherton said their event has needed more protection in previous weeks.
This year, security is exceptionally stringent. He stated that although we are in constant communication with the police, we remain resolute in our decision to proceed.
“Being a negligible ethnic minority in the United Kingdom, we do feel isolated and vulnerable at this time… The past few weeks have been dreadful, and we need to join together as a community and share our stories.
A situation that is situated thousands of miles away cannot compel us to remain in private.” We shall not transform into an invisible community.
Division in the Arts
The reactions to the Israel-Hamas conflict have brought to light a division within the realm of the arts.
In recent weeks, Dame Maureen Lipman and Tracy-Ann Oberman have both discussed being assigned security for their respective television and theatre productions, in light of the deluge of harassment and hatred they have encountered.
While celebrity-signed letters advocating for peace may have good intentions, certain Jewish artists have voiced their disapproval, arguing that they frequently present only one perspective.
Baddiel explains, “All I ever see are extremely simplistic binaries, such as a straightforward notion of where good and evil reside on opposite ends of the spectrum.”
“At that point, things get extremely complicated; I believe the conflict is too complex to be described in letters.” “Really, it ought to be described in lengthy books.”
The 27th UK Jewish Film Festival runs in theatres till November 19 and online from November 20 to 27.
