protocols of zion (2005)

available on DVD

Synopsis

Despite all the evidence, millions around the world continue to blame the Jews for 9/11. This belief is a modern-day incarnation of the infamous "The Protocols of the Elders of Zion," the century-old forgery that some people claimed to be the Jews' master plan to rule the world. Filmmaker Marc Levin sets out to understand why "The Protocols of the Elders of Zion" has been revived, and to challenge one of the most persistent, insidious conspiracy theories of all time. In the course of his explosive journey, Levin finds himself delving into the heart of hate, facing those who would traffic in bigotry, all in the name of God. At a volatile juncture in world events, PROTOCOLS OF ZION is the personal odyssey of veteran filmmaker Marc Levin (“SLAM”). As a Jew and a New Yorker living and working not far from the site of the World Trade Center, Levin grapples with one of the central issues facing the world today: religious intolerance and hate.

Propelled by the racist tract, which has revived for a new generation that is looking for someone to blame, Levin takes to the streets in PROTOCOLS OF ZION, engaging in a free-for-all dialogue with Arab-Americans, Black nationalists, Christian evangelicals, Aryan skinheads, Kabbalist rabbis, Holocaust deniers and survivors, and parading peaceniks.

A veteran documentarian and secular humanist, Levin approaches his subject with a healthy skepticism. For the first time, he reveals himself on camera: vulnerable, exploratory, argumentative, edgy, compassionate, outraged and ultimately entirely human in his journey to understand and to challenge those who would promulgate hate, knowingly or otherwise.

 Levin's filmmaking journey takes place against an increasingly volatile backdrop: U.S. troops march on Iraq, Arab television stations broadcast a dramatization of "The Protocols of the Elders of Zion," Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir claims the Jews rule the world by proxy, Mel Gibson releases "The Passion of the Christ" and violence reignites between the Palestinians and the Israelis.

Every bit as disturbing and unruly as the subject itself, Levin's PROTOCOLS OF ZION drives straight to the heart of the hate that animates all religious fanaticism and zealotry.

Awards

Gold Hugo - Chicago International Film Festival (Best Documentary - nominated

Festivals

2005 Chicago International Film Festival, 2006 AJC Seattle Jewish Film Festival, 2006 & 2012 Jewish Film Festival

Screenings

The Walter Reade Theatre (2005), Vernon Film Society