In Development
As the winter holidays approach, Reboot Studios is presenting a new way to celebrate with Erev Yalda, a reimagining of the ancient Persian winter solstice celebration Yalda. The new ritual blends Yalda with the themes of Hanukkah, through an Iranian-Jewish lens. Conceived by Los Angeles-based entrepreneur Rachel Sumekh and food writer Tannaz Sassooni, Erev Yalda brings a vibrant, new tradition to life—one that inspires people from all backgrounds to embrace warmth, light, and resilience during the year’s longest night. The project, an immersive short film with a resource kit, offers a cultural bridge, inviting viewers to create their own experience of the powerful intersection of Persian and Jewish heritage. Find out more and download the DIY kit here.
In REXODUS, performer and comedian Marval Rex guides audiences through an unforgettable exploration of his personal journey—a tale of his dual journeys in transitioning from a Catholic schoolgirl to an unapologetically proud transmasculine Jewish man in a new one-man comedic performance. Produced by Reboot Studios, this raw, uproarious show is a testament to resilience and the power of self-liberation. Through a mix of irreverent comedy and heart, Rex delves into the intersections of gender, faith, and identity. It’s more than a performance—it’s an invitation to challenge societal norms, laugh at life’s absurdities, and embrace the freedom that comes with self-discovery. Join the exodus at the Elysian Theatre in Los Angeles on October 16 and 25, 2024. Learn more and get tickets here.
We Should Eat humorously touches on age-old familial irritations with Jewish mothers, the intricacies of raising pre-teen daughters, existential dread and of course, the perpetual struggle to figure out what to order for dinner. The film stars Alysia Reiner (Orange Is the New Black), Tovah Feldshuh (Nobody Wants This), Jackie Hoffman (Only Murders in the Building), Joel de la Fuente (Walking Dead), Bob Ari (Law and Order SVU) and Lexi Perkel (Sack Lunch Bunch). Written and directed by Shaina Feinberg. The short will premiere at the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival on July 19, 2024.Learn more here.
Long thought lost, Breaking Home Ties has been digitally restored and presented with a new contemporary recorded score from award winning artists. The world’s only surviving film print of the dramatic silent film from 1922 was rescued and restored by The National Center for Jewish Film.100 years later, it is back on the big screen with a new original recorded score produced by Reboot Studios and spearheaded by 12-time Grammy nominated musician Steve Berlin (Los Lobos). Together, Reboot and The National Center for Jewish Film are organizing a worldwide tour.
The mesmerizing new score for Breaking Home Ties was composed, performed and recorded by a group of musicians drawn from some of today’s legendary jazz, americana, avant garde, punk, R&B and indie rock bands, and produced by David Katznelson and Reboot Studios.Details, screening information and more here.
We’ve Been Here Before connects the dots between mass shootings, the rise in anti-semitism, and the rise in hate violence in America in a fresh way. It follows the work of Eric Ward, a renowned expert on the relationship between authoritarian movements, hate violence, and preserving inclusive democracy. Ward was in the punk rock subculture when neo-Nazi’s infiltrated the punk scene in the 1980’s and 90’s. The short documentary film, by Jacob Kornbluth and a part of Reboot Studios’ latest round of funding, is a deep dive into the punk subculture that fought back against White Nationalists and neo-Nazis, and the lessons they have to share with the larger struggle against hate not just in America, but the world. Learn more here.
The short film will be screened at the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival as a part of the Reality Bites: Documentary Shorts program on Friday, August 2, 2024. Details and tickets can be found here.
Is there a wrong way to talk about the Holocaust? That’s the question at the heart of “The Anne Frank Gift Shop,” a dark comedy short about antisemitism that packs a vital and timely message. The film was shortlisted for the best live action short category for the 96th Academy Awards! When a high-end design firm presents its plans to reimagine the gift shop at The Anne Frank House, the company’s overt appeal to Generation Z sparks a debate about collective trauma, the Holocaust—and tote bags. Mickey Rapkin, whose best selling book was the basis for the Pitch Perfect film and television franchise, partnered with Reboot Studios, which funded the project as a part of its inaugural class of studio investments in 2022. Learn more and find out where to see the film on our site here.
A Great Miracle: Jeremiah Lockwood’s Guitar Soli Chanukah Album, produced with Reboot, is a solo guitar tribute to the holiday. With heartfelt appreciation of the 1968 classic The New Possibility: John Fahey’s Guitar Soli Christmas Album, Lockwood has sweetly crafts eight songs, one for each night of Chanukah, to celebrate the dancing candlelight with his new, blues-inspired takes on the most beloved melodies of the holiday’s canon. From the prayers for lighting the candles to the kids’ songs that are sung around the burning menorah, Lockwood paints the light through the darkness with his instrumental creations. Learn more, listen now and order the vinyl record!
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