COLLEYVILLE, directed by Dani Menkin, is an Official Selection of the Austin Jewish Film Festival. This documentary offers a deeply humane and empathetic portrayal of a real hostage situation that unfolded in a synagogue, captured in real time by thirteen security cameras.
Menkin earned the trust of the survivors, many of whom were approached by journalists eager to tell their story. It’s clear they recognized Menkin’s unique ability to convey their experience through a documentary lens. He honors the synagogue’s ethos of “loving the stranger” with remarkable sensitivity.
Throughout the film, the members of the synagogue consistently refrain from casting judgment on the hostage-taker, which is profoundly moving. This approach allowed me to empathize with the hostage-taker, who, despite his actions, displayed some moments of compassion toward his captives including a man that reminded him of his father.
I believe only Menkin could have told the true story of COLLEYVILLE so effectively. His skillful integration of actual security footage, some streamed live on Facebook and later provided by the FBI, along with timely interviews with survivors, their families, law enforcement, and a Rabbi from another state called in by the hostage-taker, enriches the narrative.
COLLEYVILLE is an excellent documentary that plays like a real-time thriller. This kind of storytelling is next level and deserves applause.
I screened COLLEYVILLE before I listened to Menkin’s episode with the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast, which I highly recommend. There, I learned that his vision for the documentary changed once he gained access to the actual footage. Menkin also used animation to tell the story of the families who were worried about their loved ones being held hostage. More importantly, he was truthful in his conveyance that there was no animosity between the members of the synagogue to the members of the hostage-taker’s faith. I will forever be impressed with this film’s humanity and brilliance. In summary, COLLEYVILLE is a triumph in filmmaking and respectfully shares the message to always love the stranger.
COLLYEVILLE screens, in person, during The Austin Jewish Film Festival on November 10 at 7 PM at the Evans Performance Center at Shalom Austin. A virtual ticket can be purchased starting November 15- November 24. For more information, see non-affiliate* link below:
*no commissions will be paid to Filmmaker Mixer Podcast when using the link
Melody Lopez, Producer, Filmmaker Mixer Podcast (posted by Madelyn, Filmmaker Mixer Correspondent)
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