Following two iconic Jewish artists in landmark tours across Europe and Israel, these two documentaries offer an intimate, unparalleled insight into the lives of Leonard Cohen and David Berman (frontman of the Silver Jews).
Rarely screened individually and never shown together, this double bill of Bird on a Wire (1972) and Silver Jew (2007) marks a celebration of the lasting contribution these two figures have made to Jewish art and culture.
Alongside the films, we will be screening a pre-recorded conversation with Ezra Furman. Ezra will be joining us for a discussion on the Jewish themes within Leonard Cohen and David Berman’s work, as well as her own relationship to Judaism and what it means for her as a musician and songwriter.
Cult Jewish artist and musician, Jerkcurb, will also be accompanying us to close the evening with a rare solo performance.
Films Synopsis■
Bird on a Wire (1972)
Filmed in 1972, this long-lost documentary was restored in 2010 from the original 16mm prints and presents a fascinating insight into the mind of Leonard Cohen during a particularly difficult tour. Delivered in the cinéma vérité style from director Tony Palmer, the film closes with Cohen’s final stop on the tour at an emotional concert at Jerusalem's Yad Eliahu Sports Palace. Courtesy of Tony Palmer.
Silver Jew (2007)
Following David Berman and his band, the Silver Jews, during their first ever tour in 2007, Michael Tully’s documentary is a profoundly moving record of their time spent in Israel for two shows in Tel Aviv. Capturing David in a period of “newfound devotion to Judaism”, his visit to Jerusalem’s Western Wall at the end of the film is a stunningly emotional climax to this incredibly heartfelt portrait of a much loved and admired artist. Courtesy of Drag City.
Guest Bios■
Ezra Furman
Ezra Furman is a Jewish musician and songwriter based in Somerville, Massachusetts. Her latest album, Twelve Nudes, was released in August 2019 to critical acclaim. Last month, she released an EP of songs she wrote for Season Three of Sex Education; the Netflix series she has soundtracked since its inception. As of this autumn, Ezra is studying Talmud at Hebrew College in Newton.
Jerkcurb
Jerkcurb is a Jewish artist and musician based in South London. His debut album, Air Con Eden, was released in September 2019 via Handsome Dad Records. This summer, he released his first record as part of Horsey, a band composed of long-term friends and collaborators. Their album, Debonair, is out now via untitled recs.
Faith In Film
Faith in Film is a new curation platform by Dan Levy and Darren Richman dedicated to showcasing the best in cult and alternative Jewish cinema.
We have a broad understanding of what it means to be a Jew, and our programming reflects that. Our church is broad, our cinegogue wide. Each film we show will be situated alongside exclusive Q&As, talks, and performances. Screening movies, as faithfully as possible.
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