The brainchild of Jessie Kahnweiler, “Just the Tip” will be part of the lineup at the 2024 edition of HollyShorts Film Festival. The short documentary is a unique venture that is as unapologetic as it is informative. At times light-hearted, it’s an utterly earnest, complex exploration of a girl, her ‘goy’ (Yiddish for ‘non-Jewish boyfriend’) and the polarising debate surrounding circumcision.
In this interview, Kahnweiler, a Webby-winning filmmaker and comedian—whose work has previously been screened at Cannes and Sundance—drops some tips on how not to stir up a hornet’s nest when shedding light on sensitive subjects. She also shares her experience in walking on eggshells while prepping for the documentary, listening to both sides, and her own spiritual journey as a young, proud Jewish woman who wears her faith on her sleeve. Under it all, Kahnweiler is still keen on posing some sensible questions regarding Judaism, manhood, and stringent centuries-old traditions.
*Note: this interview has been edited for clarity.
Vidal D’costa for The Movie Buff: Firstly, congratulations to both you and your ‘goy’ on the baby bump, and for simultaneously ‘birthing’ this documentary! Your natural humour and background as a comedian really shine through in ‘Just the Tip’ – Be it the subtle innuendoes or ‘flirting’ with a shy, amused rabbi towards the end. So of course, my first and very obvious question is how did the transition from comedian to documentary filmmaker take place?
Jessie Kahnweiler: Thank you so much for watching the film and your kind words! And yes, flirting with Rabbis is my cardio. Filmmaking has always been my first medium. I’ve been making films since I was 18, so the comedy part is really what came in later. It was a very organic process as I began to create more personal work and being both behind and in front of the camera. In my life, I tend to process the hardest truths through humour. As a Jew, it’s deeply embedded in my DNA to laugh through the pain as a means of facing and releasing it. I also just didn’t want to pay a Jewish girl to be the main character as most of my work is very independent and thus, I put on a bra and got in front of the camera.
VD: Are there any Jewish (or non-Jewish) creatives who’ve served as an inspiration to you and whose work has proved to be inspirational/instrumental in your own journey as a creative?
KK: Yes! I’m a documentary groupie. [I grew up win an obsession with] ’70s documentaries like “Harlan County,” “Grey Gardens,” and “Sherman’s March.” It awoke something in me that has never gone away. That insatiable appetite to capture life on life terms—the pain, beauty, gore, and hope always the hope.
As far as Jews, I know Lucille Ball isn’t literally Jewish… but her soul and chutzpah are a spiritual touchstone for me. I’m so inspired by THE Jewish story which is rooted in being an outsider, being part of a tribe, and making your art no matter what.
VD: Coming to the hard question now. The topic you chose for this documentary is pertinent, personal, yet of course, polarizing to many in the Jewish community/faith. We see some participants in the documentary (such as your loving ‘goy,’ supportive mum, or the progressive, younger generation) are open, unapologetically reflective, and least hesitant to share their stance on circumcision on camera. However, were there any individuals who objected to be a part of this documentary and did you receive any pushback from the community?
JK: Yes! All I got was rejection! There was truly no one—aside from my producers at Reboot—who wanted me to make this movie. I spent about a year researching and cultivating my subjects. Most of the Mohels and/or more religious Jews I spoke with wanted nothing to do with me or this subject matter. Of course, that only made me more curious and eager to bring this topic into the light.
As far as offending people, it’s truly never my intention to do so… but pretty much every project I do pisses people off (lol). So, this film was no different. But in Judaism, we [learn]from the first day of Hebrew school that our religion is about questioning things. That asking questions is our moral obligation. So, I found it fascinating that no one has really questioned this ancient traditional Jewish ritual and if it holds a place in the collective Jewish future. Ironically, I think making a film exploring the WHY of circumcision is like the most kosher thing I could do.
I’m so inspired by THE Jewish story which is rooted in being an outsider, being part of a tribe, and making your art no matter what.” jessie Kahnweiler
All I ask is that people give the film a watch before officially hating it. But at the end of the day, I made this film for myself in order to begin to process wanting to start a family and what it means to be in an inter-faith relationship. I’m a Jew who deeply loves being Jewish and so I stand by the film and my decision to make it 100%
VD: Since there are documentary filmmakers out there who opt for dodgy guerrilla tactics too, I’m particularly curious to know your creative process as a filmmaker… especially in ensuring an bias-free and ethical atmosphere while questioning the participants of the documentary.
JK: With this film, I truly did not have an agenda. I was too dumb (naive) on this subject to really have a solid opinion about circumcision and what I was ‘trying to say.’ I was truly open and I think my subjects could sense that. It’s hard for me to interview someone and not identify with their humanity and POV. There is definitely temptation at times when there’s an opportunity to spice things up or go for the drama. But at the end of the day, all I have is my gut—and I’m very pregnant so I need to be able to sleep at night! To me, the more interesting movie shows the messy truth rather than any kind of ‘gotcha!’
As for my process, I really dig in during the research phase and usually become quite obsessed. It was foreskin 24/7 in our home for a good 6 months.
There’s always an underlying fear like where the hell is this going?! So, I find deadlines really helpful even if they are self-imposed. The relationships I build during prep usually lead right to the first round of interviews. [Mostly] I make scripted work, so it was a challenge for me to be open to the great big thrilling void that is making a documentary! I hired my friend and colleague Georgia Koch who is a brilliant doc editor and really relied on her to guide me through the process. I didn’t fully trust the process but I trusted Georgia! And slowly but surely the spine of the film began to take shape. Every film is a miracle like ‘How the hell did this finally all come together?!’, and also like—’duh this was always meant to be!’
VD: Lastly, could you share some details regarding any upcoming work (apart from raising a baby girl, of course)? And are there any more taboo topics in the bag that you’d love to explore?
JK: Yes! I’m currently working on a high school comedy that follows a group of Polish teenagers who come of age during Hitler’s rise to power and a podcast that explores the sickness within the wellness industry. I’m also currently obsessed with female friendship breakups, mental health, and a retelling of the Anne Frank story like you’ve never heard before. So, it’s a real laugh fest over here!
* “Just the Tip” premieres at HollyShorts 2024 on August 10th. Follow The Movie Buff for continuous HollyShorts coverage throughout the next few weeks.
