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HAVA NAGILA: The Untold Story of the World’s Most Popular Song

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ava Nagila is to music what the bagel is to food – a Jewish staple that has transcended its origins and become a worldwide hit. This hilarious and surprisingly deep film follow the song’s fascinating journey from the shtetls of Eastern Europe to the cul-de-sacs of America. Featuring interviews with Harry Belafonte, Connie Francis, Glen Campbell, Leonard Nimoy, Regina Spektor and more, Hava Nagila (The Movie) takes viewers around the world using the song as a springboard to explore Jewish history and identity and to spotlight the cross-cultural connections that can only be achieved through music.


Press

  • San Francisco Chronicle
    A toe-tapping, entertaining celebration of the song, starring Harry Belafonte, Connie Francis, Glen Campbell, Leonard Nimoy and many others.
    Leah Garchik
  • The Jewish Daily Forward
    Hava Nagila is like a snowflake rolling along through Jewish history, picking up more and more layers and meaning as it goes.
    Renee Ghert-Zand
  • San Jose Mercury News
    Definitive. Glorious. Plan to walk out humming—or maybe singing out loud!
  • Bayflicks
    This rare documentary will have you laughing, clapping, and tapping your feet, and give you new appreciation of a tune you've heard all of your life.
    Lincoln Spector
  • Tikkun
    …Judging by its keen production, sharp wit, and disarming cultural inquiry, [the film] is likely to further Grossman's reputation as a leader in her field.
    Gabriel Crane
  • JWeekly
    Brilliant! A celebration of Jewish community
    Michael Fox
  • New York Magazine
    This hilarious and surprisingly deep film.
  • NY Daily News
    You’ll leave the theater happily humming
  • NPR
    Infectiously high-spirited
  • The New York Times
    Buoyant, playful and serious. Provides a fresh look at a good chunk of modern Jewish history.
  • Filmmaker Magazine
    As surprisingly rich as it is fizzy and infectious!
  • Hollywood Reporter
    Richly detailed and entertaining. Not that you have to be Jewish.
  • Variety
    …a sure shot to transfer from Jewish fests to broadcast sales…
    Dennis Harvey

Festival Participation

  • Boston Jewish Film Festival, USA - 2012
    Closing Night Film
  • Washington DC Jewish Film Festival, USA - 2012
    Closing Night Film
  • Miami Jewish Film Festival, USA - 2012
    Opening Night Film
  • International Documentary Festival Amsterdam, Netherlands - 2012
  • San Francisco Jewish Film Festival, USA - 2012
    Opening Night Film

Additional Materials

Distribution Company

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