Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, ‘the Singing Rabbi,’ ignited the spiritual landscape for legions of Jews in a post-Holocaust world. Soon after his death, he is accused of sexual abuse. 30 years later, with intimate access to his family, inner circle, and his survivors, Carlebach Project Untitled grapples with a complicated legacy and how – or whether – to separate the art from the artist.
Co-Producer
Directed by Sandi DuBowski
Filmed over 21 years, Sabbath Queen follows Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie's journey as the heir of 38 generations of Orthodox rabbis who is torn between accepting his ancestral destiny or becoming a drag queen rebel. In addition to his drag persona, Lau-Lavie is a queer bio-dad and the founder of Lab/Shul: an everybody-friendly, God-optional, artist-driven, pop-up experimental congregation. With incredible access, award-winning director Sandi DuBowski (Trembling Before G_D, Sundance 2001) joins Rabbi Amichai on a life journey and cinematic quest to creatively and radically reinvent religion and ritual while challenging gender norms in a rapidly changing 21st century.
Producer
Directed by Andre Lambertson
Two years ago, the world was slowly and quickly changing at a pace that made little sense. We all looked for something, or someone to hold on to. The ground was shaky and no anchors were in sight. I called a few people I knew to make sense of this sorrow. I found Mr. Owens and Beloved, who lived in Harlem. These two were walking with the wounded. They helped me make sense of this rattling by opening their hearts and showing me a world of possibility, of transformation and maybe a rebirth. As the spring approaches, I wonder what we have learned from these days? How wide can a heart be opened, and can it protect us from what comes next? Have we found light within? This film is a meditation on the people who heard that deep call of sorrow. ~Andre Lambertson
Director, Producer, Editor, Cinematographer
DATING IN PLACE lets viewers listen in as pairs test out their chemistry on first dates via Zoom.
Find a link to the film and write-up in The New Yorker here.
Associate Producer
Directed by Nadia Hallgren
Becoming is an intimate look into the life of former First Lady Michelle Obama during a moment of profound change, not only for her personally but for the country she and her husband served over eight impactful years in the White House.
The film offers a rare and up-close look at her life, taking viewers behind the scenes as she embarks on a 34-city tour that highlights the power of community to bridge our divides and the spirit of connection that comes when we openly and honestly share our stories.
Associate Producer
Directed by Kirsten Johnson
What if you could make your loved ones live forever? Dick Johnson Is Dead is Kirsten Johnson’s delirious and desperate attempt to keep her aging father alive. In this effort, she turns to the magic of cinema to kill him, resurrect him, and celebrate his last years on earth.
Toggling between observational documentary and fictional fantasy, longtime cinematographer Kirsten Johnson peels back layers of moviemaking as she and her father share a quest to face his death together. Their challenge is heightened by the erosive effect of dementia, which menaces Dick Johnson (both the person and the movie), but will not deter their commitment to explore the unlikely ways in which we might love and know each other all the way to the end.
Exuberantly creative, joyous, funny, and heartbreaking, Dick Johnson Is Dead is a cinematic ode to one very lovely man from his ridiculously talented daughter—and a beguiling gift to all of us lucky enough to see it.
Co-Director with Angus Borsos, Producer
There are 51 staffed lighthouses in Canada, 27 of which are in British Columbia. Caroline Woodward and Jeff George live and work on a lighthouse in Vancouver Island’s Clayoquot Sound. Their shared life is one of weather reports, the maintenance of buildings and vast grounds, and growing food for themselves in the gardens and greenhouse. THE STATION is a day in their lives; a record of a day in the life on Lennard Island.
Associate Producer
Directed by Marilyn Ness
On the streets of Baltimore, shooting is rampant, the murder rate is approaching an all-time high and the distrust of the police is at a fever pitch. With nerves frayed and neighborhoods in distress, dedicated community leaders, compassionate law-enforcement officers, and a progressive young city councilman try to stem the epidemic of violence. Filmed over three tumultuous years covering the lead up to, and aftermath of, Freddie Gray’s death in police custody, CHARM CITY is an intimate cinema verité portrait of those surviving in, and fighting for, the vibrant city they call home. Directed by renowned documentary producer Marilyn Ness (Cameraperson; Trapped; E-Team).
Director, Producer, Editor
Book trailer for Daphne Merkin’s 2017 depression memoir.
Featured on The Booklist Reader’s “Book Trailer Thursday”
“Featured Video” on Work in Progress - Farrar, Straus & Giroux weekly newsletter
Director, Producer, Editor
Why would a person make art that intentionally disappears?
LIFE & SAND follows New York City sculptor / designer G. Augustine Lynas as he creates his ephemeral art in a day on the beach. Intercut with sculpting, we get a window into the poetic mind of this creative, playful, and philosophical soul, conscious of every grain of sand he touches. This film explores the symbolism of ephemeral art, human impermanence, the cycle of life and the importance of protecting the natural world.
Screenings and Awards (2017)
Earth Port Film Festival
Ocean City Film Festival
North Beach American Film Festival JURY AWARD - Best Documentary Short
Lighthouse International Film Festival
Long Beach International Film Festival JURY AWARD - Best Documentary Short
New Filmmakers New York
Long Island International Film Expo
Coney Island Film Festival
New York Short Film Festival
Long Island Film Festival JURY AWARD - Best Documentary
Director, Producer, Editor
Singh is a man many will recognize if they've lived on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. He is somewhat of a landmark figure, an 'institution' people call him. Singh has been selling newspapers on the corner of W 86th Street and CPW for over 30 years, seldom missing a day. In fact, he's missed less than three weeks over all those years, and that's when he went to India to visit his mother.
Singh is a reticent man, shy to share many personal details, but he has a story that will surprise you. His story is both that of the struggling immigrant -- working extreme hours in difficult conditions, sending whatever meager money he makes back home to his family. It's also a story of perseverance and authenticity, many hours out in the cold braving the elements. Spirituality has kept him going, as well as a sheer will to live, despite the difficulties.
I hope this modest project shares some light on Singh's story, the sacrifices he has made, and the enduring nature of his routine and presence on the corner of W86th street.
The film was referenced in the April 20, 2018 New York Times article by Patrick Farrell “Last of the Newsies.”
