JIFF: Neshoma

Nesjomme

“Neshoma is in equal parts joyous, tragic, informative and cinematic.” – Business Doc Europe 

“A deeply moving film about one of history’s great tragedies… a poetic documentary.” – POV

Australian Premiere

The “neshoma” (a Yiddish-Hebrew word meaning “soul” or “spirit”) of pre-World War II Jewish Amsterdam is brought to life in this fascinating, creative documentary. Archival material provides the visual context for letters written by a fictional character called Rusha, corresponding with her brother Max who has left for the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia).

Narrated by Daniella Kertesz (Shtisel), Rusha’s letters are inspired by real-life testimonials, beginning amid a brightly optimistic Amsterdam at the end of World War I. They paint a vivid portrait of hustling traders on the flea market, proud diamond cutters, cabaret singers and entrepreneurs building department stores, hotels and cinemas. Tragically, this progress gives way to severe economic depression and the rise of fascism, culminating in the occupation of the Netherlands.

Neshoma transports you right into the heart of interwar Amsterdam, illustrating how integral Jewish life was to the vibrant city’s own “neshoma”.

Rating

Unclassified 15+

Duration

85 min

Country

Netherlands

Language

English, Dutch (English subtitles)

Cast

Daniella Kertesz, Mickey Kertesz

Director

Sandra Beerends