Helped by the music and video producer Daniel Finkelman and other members of the Hasidic world, Mr. Weinstein worked to establish contacts. His rabbi is played by a cabdriver who, Mr. Weinstein said, was “waiting his whole life” for a chance to hold forth. Neither Edgar G. Ulmer, the B-movie maker who directed four Yiddish talkies, nor Joseph Seiden, the most prolific producer of Yiddish films, was fluent. Mr. Weinstein believes that even if Mr. Lustig does not see “Menashe” as suitable for religious Jews, its success has inspired Mr. Lustig to consider making his own films. Mr. Weinstein may turn his casting sessions into one, although he is not planning a follow-up feature.

Source: New York Times July 28, 2017 21:45 UTC