Guns and Moses is an Official Selection of the 2024 Austin Jewish Film Festival. Salvador Litvak directed this film, which he co-wrote with Nina Litvak. Guns and Moses is a high-production value thriller with an uncommon hero, a Rabbi who trains in firearms in order to protect himself and his family from a serious threat in his community.
Rabbi Mo, portrayed by Mark Feurerstein, is a compassionate leader dedicated to his community. When a suspect is arrested for a crime that occurred during a charity event, the Rabbi takes it upon himself to prove the individual’s innocence. What makes this character compelling is that he is inherently good, lacking any significant flaws to correct. His personal growth and transformation are intricately linked to his determination to seek justice for an innocent man.
Guns and Moses is incredibly well done and I loved everything about it. The story was fresh, the pacing and escalation was on point! Watching the mystery of who really did it and why was terrific storytelling. Filled with twists and turns, I loved all the fabulous misdirection!
I want to single out the fantastic casting by fan-girling over the lead actor. Mark Feurerstein has long been a favorite actor, specifically since 1998, when he played Conrad Bloom, the titular character of a television series. His natural charisma is exactly why you understand his being cast as Sandra Bullock’s love interest in Practical Magic. That being said, watching him transform into a weapons-trained Rabbi was totally believable.
As an ethnic minority, I grew up with very few role models who were also from my culture. This is why I find it so refreshing to see a Rabbi as a very grounded-in-reality action hero. I believe everyone deserves to see themselves represented in cinema, and I’m so delighted for all the people to see their culture represented in Rabbi Mo.
I’ll say it again, the story is terrific, the twists and turns are fantastic. Guns and Moses is sensational! I predict this movie will do very well in theaters and I am so glad for the audience that gets to enjoy it during this year’s Austin Jewish Film Festival.
Guns and Moses screened opening night of the Austin Jewish Film Festival but will screen virtually starting November 15- November 24. For more information see the non-affiliate link below:
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Melody Lopez, Producer, Filmmakermixer Podcast (posted by Madelyn, Filmmaker Mixer Correspondent)