Join historian and poet Anna Wrobel for a 5-part film and discussion series exploring the work of 20th-century Jewish American filmmakers. Each session features a film screening followed by a guided conversation offering historical context, insight, and open discussion around themes of identity, creativity, and cultural influence.

Classes meet Wednesdays, 6:00–8:30 PM, beginning October 29 at the JCA.
Participants may register for the full series or individual sessions.

Sounder (1972) was made by Jewish director Martin Ritt, whose American career was derailed by HUAC. Ritt returned from Europe in the late 1960’s after directing the masterly The Spy Who Came In From The Cold (1965) in Britain and Continental Europe. Back in the U.S.A., Ritt went on to direct some of our finest films on civil rights and labor struggles. Sounder is a feast of talent including Cicely Tyson, Paul Winfield and Taj Mahal. From Louisiana sugar tenancy to convict labor gang to literacy and enlightenment, this film set in the Depression is filled with material and emotional life. And then there’s Sounder the dog, faithful friend and metaphor.