German TV Film 'Doitscha' Explores Jewish Life Amidst Rising Antisemitism

The German television film "Doitscha," based on a 2014 novel, tells the story of a German-Jewish family and is considered an unusual project for public broadcasting, especially after the October 7th attacks. The film's screenwriter was initially surprised by the script's quality, noting its blend of contradiction, humor, and tragedy, which reminded them of Noah Baumbach's films. The project faced potential cancellation following the October 7th Hamas attack, but the production team decided to proceed, emphasizing its relevance in the current climate.

The film's creation and the broader context of Jewish life in Germany have been significantly impacted by the events of October 7th. The screenwriter shared experiences of Jewish friends feeling isolated and experiencing antisemitism in Germany, with one friend resorting to claiming Icelandic origin to avoid negative reactions. The screenwriter also noted a painful rift with friends who struggled to accept the existence of multiple truths simultaneously, observing how old antisemitic sentiments resurfaced under the guise of anti-Zionism, particularly within supposedly liberal and left-leaning circles.

Regarding the film's potential to shift perspectives on contemporary antisemitism, the screenwriter expressed that art can offer familiar narratives from new angles, potentially unsettling viewers' assumptions rather than aiming to persuade them. They contrasted this with a perceived tendency in the media and visual arts industries to protest Israeli policy while neglecting to address antisemitism, citing the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement as an example of exclusion within the arts.

The screenwriter recalled attending an early post-October 7th demonstration where few figures from their industry were present, observing a general reluctance among colleagues to take public stances. While acknowledging the constraints of film sets, they noted a perceived one-sidedness in pro-Palestinian discourse, characterized by an unyielding belief in being on the "right side" and a focus on abolishing Israel rather than establishing a Palestinian state. They found more nuanced conversations possible with individuals from Iranian backgrounds due to their greater appreciation for complexity.

Despite a personal inclination to let their work speak for itself, the screenwriter admitted to a degree of hesitation in making public statements to avoid being pigeonholed. They view "Doitscha" as a more sophisticated approach than constant pronouncements. The film itself has faced criticism, including a scene depicting a protest at an Israeli author's book launch, which some filmmakers deemed one-sided and discriminatory. The screenwriter defended the scene's portrayal of societal helplessness and despair, highlighting the character Georg's failed attempt at mediation.

When questioned about the possibility of a similar film about a Muslim family, the screenwriter suggested that while such a story would be compelling, depicting the complexities of a Jewish family in Germany might be more readily accepted. They expressed admiration for the Jewish and Israeli worlds' diversity, their capacity for constructive debate, enjoyment of life, and willingness to question dogma, noting that Israel's harshest critics are often Jewish friends. The screenwriter found the multifaceted discussions in Israel to be starkly different from media portrayals, attributing the Jewish people's adaptability and preservation of customs throughout history to a unique ability to engage with the world's contradictions.