We can all be Upstanders… 

My name is Jennie Reinish, I am a video producer and documentary filmmaker. My current project, a film which I am currently calling “I Cannot Be a Bystander” addresses the rising tide of antisemitism and hate in the US, and teachers all of us that we can make a difference by speaking out. We can all be Upstanders, instead of bystanders.

I have had the opportunity over my career to film the stories of dozens of Holocaust Survivors, with two of my previous films (Margaret Singer: Seeking Light, and We Played Marbles) centering on Survivors.  With these previous projects in mind,  I’ve been following what feels like a very vocal and public rise in antisemitism in the past year. 

On December 2, 2022 Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff posted a tweet about the pain caused by antisemitism and hate.  I responded to his tweet, thanking him and sharing that as a Jewish woman who has documented the stories of dozens of local Survivors in my community, the rise in antisemitism has scared me. I was scared because of what the Survivors must be thinking, and because of what it could lead to.  Someone responded, tweeting at me: “You belong in an oven.” After I processed the shock of being the target of that response, I knew I had to act, so I started this film project the next day.  Soon after, there were visible antisemitic acts in my community as there have been in so many communities across the country.  This further reinforced my realization about how necessary and timely this film is right now.  

This documentary is already in production. I have conducted 10 interviews and have additional interviews scheduled for June in Washington DC and Chicago with more to come in California later this summer. I plan to speak with political, religious and community leaders, an expert in online hate (and how to address it)  and children, who will talk about inclusion and kindness – the hope for the future.  Seven of my interviews so far have been with Holocaust Survivors. They share the parallels they see between their childhoods and today, and they all go on to emphasize the importance of speaking out. 

I initially thought I could make this a small, personal film without outside help or funding, but I have since pivoted and believe this film needs to be expanded upon to reach a wider audience.  I need your help to keep moving forward, and to bring on a small but mighty team of additional talent to meet the film’s full potential.  

What can this film accomplish? A lot!

It is important to note in every interview I have conducted so far, my subjects have made it clear that this is not just a Jewish problem. Hate affects so many groups, and this film will help us all.  Even though I am making a film about speaking up against antisemitism and I consider myself an activist,  I realize that I need this film, too.  What does one say when confronted with hateful language? How do we respond? How do we find the courage to speak out when we hear a stranger make an antisemitic, bigoted, racist or homophobic comment?  This film aims to answer those questions.  We explore the history of antisemitism and its effects, but then also address the most important part – what do we do about it?  

How we get this film to an audience (this is your role!)

The total film budget is broken down into two categories.

   1. The Production Budget is $40,000. This amount would cover travel for interviews, insurance, fees for image and video licensing, and the cost of a research assistant to help find and manage those images.  

   2. The Post-Production Budget is $16,000. Post-production costs would fund a small team to help this film reach its full potential, including  a story and a sound editor, and a musician to score the film. Other expenses may include film festival entry fees and marketing costs. I am filming and will also edit the project myself, so those costs would be minimal.  

My current goal is to meet the $40,000 Production Budget for the film, anything above and beyond that amount would go towards the Post-Production Budget. Any and all levels of support are greatly appreciated, and all funds will go directly towards producing this important documentary.  I understand that not everyone can afford to contribute to my film financially. That’s ok – you can still help! You can share this campaign with people who may be interested or want to help. Also, please check back for updates – I hope to finish the film in 2024, and would love to see you at a screening! 

Please consider supporting my film and being an Upstander against hate.  Thank you.