Howeds

When I was 23, I started directing an autofictional anti-coming of age movie about identity loss and disintegration among teenagers like me and the friends I grew up among in suburban Jersey. It was called HOWEDS, which was a nickname for the Jewish kids in my school, and I liked to think of it “Jewish Sopranos for kids”

Following through with that intention at that age and time came at a personal cost, and I haven’t been the movie’s best steward. But trusted friends and the physical media culture of the LA Eastside have helped me see the importance of preserving your films, that sharing an imperfect but real example of standing by your own convictions might be of service. (I also want my friends and loved ones in LA to know who I am, where I come from, what I experienced and what I believe!)

To that end my good friend the bold writer Jon Danforth-Appell (go read his great Jewish Currents piece “AGAINST ZIONIST REALISM”), whose work points beyond the ‘calling in’ protest behavior of modern anti-zionism toward a deeper mourning and materialist analysis, will lead a Q+A after the movie

Please join us if you’re so inclined. (This is also an open invitation to cast/crew in the LA area to come through and be recognized for your contribution!) Whether you find its material somewhat bracing or healing in a deeper sense is a bit of a rorschach, but after some years in the wilderness I’m proud to say I’m in the latter camp 👍

Jake

HOWEDS

Written and produced by Jake Fertig and Emily Dalmas

Starring Jake Fertig, Martin Pohl, Paul Thomas Truitt, Fred Berger, Max Blake and Chloe Cole

Director of Photography Christopher Fox

Production Designer Spencer Kennard

Directed by Jake Fertig

featuring dozens more wonderful actors and crew!