Selma Blair Announces Documentary on Antisemitism

Jewish-American actress Selma Blair announced on Thursday that she is working on a new documentary titled "Hineni" (Here I Am), which will focus on antisemitism. The announcement was made during a speech at the Anti-Defamation League's (ADL) research database launch event at the Jewish Museum in New York.

Blair explained her motivation for creating the film, stating, "I decided the opposite of being erased is to create something. So I'm making a movie." She contrasted this project with her past focus on her personal and medical journey, emphasizing her current focus on her Jewish identity. "The last time I brought cameras in, it was about my body. This time it's about my people," she said. Blair described the documentary as being about antisemitism, acknowledging its confusing and complex nature, and its entanglement with geopolitics. She expressed a desire to make the film for those not present at the event.

The film, "Hineni. Here I Am," will include footage from Israel to illustrate to a global audience "why this land is not an abstract thing for us." Blair also stated that the documentary will feature filmed conversations with people who disagree with her, asserting that "you don't change your mind just by talking to people who already agree with you." She believes that differing viewpoints should remain in the final edit.

Concluding her speech, Blair delivered a strong message against antisemitism, declaring, "Antisemitism must stop. Not be managed. Not be explained. Not be weighed against something else. Stop." She affirmed her identity and belonging, stating, "Tonight I am the one speaking, in a room full of my people, and saying these things out loud. I am Jewish. I am still here. Hineni."