Director : Yoav Shamir

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Distributor: First Run Features

Film Summary
In the tradition of films such as Roger & Me and Sherman’s March, director Yoav Shamir embarks on a provocative and irreverent quest to answer the question, “What is anti-Semitism today?” Is it an immediate threat on the verge of coalescing into a second Holocaust? Or is it a scare tactic used by right-wing Zionists to discredit their critics? Speaking with the head of the Anti-Defamation League, controversial author Norman Finkelstein, and others, he sets out to discover the realities of anti-Semitism today. His findings are shocking, enlightening and, surprisingly, often wryly funny.

Recently nominated for the 2009 European Film Award "Prix Arte" for Best Documentary, winner of the Stanley Kubrick Award for Bold and Innovative Filmmaking at Michael Moore’s Traverse City Film Festival and awarded with a Special Jury Prize at the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival for “addressing such a controversial subject with a humorous touch that allows people to ask serious questions,” Defamation also has received praise, exuberant audience response and a provocative reputation at the Berlin Film Festival, Toronto’s Hot Docs and the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival.

“Shamir's breezy manner and casual approach encourage people to speak candidly, and their comments about Jews are shocking -- horrendous, really, but sometimes surprisingly funny.” (Jennifer Merin, About.com)

“A must-see for thoughtful friends and critics of Israel.” (David Lambie, Bay Area Reporter)

“Alternately sweet-tempered and outrageous...will spark long arguments deep into the night.” (Andrew O’Hehir, Salon)

“Provocative and timely, intelligent and wry.” (Leslie Felperin, Variety)