Defamation

Exploring one of Judaism's core taboos with bracing humor and insight, Yoav Shamir investigates whether or not modern-day anti-Semitism should be viewed as an ongoing threat and whether right-wing Zionists are known for using scare tactics as a way to invalidate their opponents.

Through discussions with a diverse range of individuals from across the political spectrum (including a prominent member and critic of the Anti-defamation league), visits to sites like Auschwitz accompanied by Israeli students and exploration into reports on acts against Jewish people in Brooklyn; Shamir uncovers present-day realities regarding anti-Semitism. Shockingly and amusingly enough, his conclusions were quite enlightening.

What the Critics are Saying
"An incredibly bold and brave film." - Filmmaker Michael Moore

"Truly courageous! Yoav Shamir IS the Israeli Michael Moore." - Time Out New York

"Provocative and timely, intelligent and wry." - Leslie Felperin, Variety

"Profound and passionate." - Ray Bennett, Film Journal International

"This is muscular, intelligent documentary filmmaking of the first order - trenchant, controversial, riveting." - Harvey S. Karten, Compuserve

"Works brilliantly! Shocking, surprisingly funny... Defamation is an education!"
- Jennifer Merin, About.com

"A must -see for thoughtful friends and critics of Israel." - David Lamble, Bay Area Reporter

"The most important Jewish movie of the year." - Akiva Gottlieb, The Jewish Journal

"Alternately sweet-tempered and outrageous... will spark long arguments deep into the night among Jewish and non-Jewish viewers alike." - Andrew O’Hehir, Salon

Recommended Reading
Beyond Chutzpah: On the Misuse of Anti-Semitism and the Abuse of History by Norman Finkelstein
Anti-Semitism: Myth and Hate from Antiquity to the Present by Marvin Perry and Frederick Schweitzer
The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy by John Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt
The Deadliest Lies: The Israel Lobby and the Myth of Jewish Control by Abraham Foxman

Links
See details about this film's theatrical run.

www.defamation-thefilm.com

Tribeca '09 Interview with Yoav Shamir on IndieWIRE

Read Yoav Shamir's response to David Hirsh in The Guardian, 1/25/10