THE SHIDDUCH CRISIS, 24min., USA
Directed by Chaya Gurkov
An Orthodox Jewish girl struggled with her mothers expectations for an arranged marriage.

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Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

It was something I wanted to talk about. I think there is a narrow scope of Jewish stories in the entertainment sphere and I wanted to talk about an experience that I, and many women growing up in the Orthodox Jewish community, feel being in this dating system. I wanted to write a story with nuance, humour, and honesty in a way that doesn’t demonize the religion that Shaina practices.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

It took ten months. I started writing the script in November of 2022, when I was accepted into the Reel Works Narrative Fellowship Program. We completed shooting at the start of August 2023.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Honest and humorous.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

The biggest obstacle I faced was handing in ONE final version of the script. Eduardo, one of Reel Works mentors, laughs every time he tells the story of how many new versions of the script I churned out in a matter of days. If I felt like there was something wrong with a scene, or like I wasn’t totally immersed and in love with the version I wrote, I would scrap the whole thing and start over. Obviously, this is a one way ticket to insanity. I learned to accept my imperfections and trust in my process of writing eventually and I’m so happy with how everything turned out.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

Immensely grateful and excited. I want to thank the audience for the time they gave my film and their insightful comments.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

In March 2021, when a professor at college told me that I have a voice and one that’s interesting, too, after I submitted a short script assignment for the first time.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

Manchester by the Sea, written and directed by Kenneth Lonergan.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

It would be wonderful to be able to meet the winners and festival staff in person so we can connect.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

Entirely positive.

10. What is your favorite meal?

My Bubby’s meatballs and rice.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

I’m working on a series inspired by and built around the world of the Shidduch Crisis with a producer who expressed interest.

I’m also working on a feature film about an ultra-orthodox 34 year old woman finally taking matters into her own hands after realizing that the Shidduch system failed her. It’s raunchy, funny and deeply honest.

Lastly, I am working on a thriller-drama short film about a character hell-bent on revenge in the face of rising anti-semitism and holocaust denial.

So yes! God willing, many new projects!

Submit to the STUDENT Feedback Film Festival: