The Bentwich Syndrome

“A wry, witty and quirky documentary” — The Times of Israel

Director Gur Bentwich (Etgar Keret: What Animal Are You? JIFF14) wryly explores his family’s unique malady: a psychosomatic affliction that causes sufferers to glorify their family heritage and exaggerate its importance. From humble origins in Whitechapel, the eccentric and ambitious nineteenth century lawyer Herbert Bentwich set out to establish an aristocratic Jewish dynasty, rivalling that of Theodore Herzl and the other great founders of the Jewish state - at least according to the Bentwichs. With charming chutzpah, Gur’s family leave their home in Israel to step back in time, running amok in London to paint an intimate portrait of their family history.

Presenting a heartwarming look at Jewish hopes and dreams from the turn of the century to the formation of the State of Israel, director Gur uncovers a remarkable story, of fervent Zionists, inspired artists, and outrageously determined rebels. This film was awarded the Warsaw Phoenix for Best Documentary Film at the Jewish Motifs Film Festival, and nominated for Best Feature Documentary at the 2015 Ophir Awards (Israeli Oscars).