The New Jews
A decade in the making, The New Jews is a bold and provocative documentary following a group of non-Zionist Israeli Jews who flee the rise of right-wing nationalism and relentless violence. Seeking refuge in Berlin, they become entangled in the city’s layered history, only to find that their search for belonging leads them into a web of sexual, social, and political contradictions, complicated by the fetishization of Jews.
Visually witty and partially animated, the film centers around filmmakers Amir and Inés on a hunt for intimacy and sexual adventure in their new home. In a darkly humorous twist, their encounters—through dating apps and sex calls—expose the lingering shadow of Nazism, Holocaust guilt, and a disturbing objectification of their Jewish bodies.
Other participants are interrogated in a dimly lit room, confessing their conflicted relationships with Israel and the bittersweet experience of making Berlin their new home. Their testimonies reveal that the violence that once shaped their rebellious Jewish identity in Israel continues to haunt them, now appearing in a different guise in multicultural Berlin.
In a country eager to love its Jews—but only the ‘right’ kind—the film unfolds as both an ironic reminder of the world the participants sought to escape and a wake-up call to the one they now face.
About the Director
Amir Ovadia Steklov has emerged as a bold and daring filmmaker-animator, blending sharp humor with visually striking narratives that explore migration, LGBTQ+ themes, Jewish identity, and racism within a sex-positive framework. Graduated from Sam Spiegel Film and Television School in 2013 (Jerusalem), he is now Based in Berlin, a 2024 Berlinale Talent alumnus and member of the European Film Academy.
Steklov’s films have earned international recognition, with highlights including Bi The Way (2022), a festival favorite that won Best Short Film at CINHOMO, Best Comedy at OutReel Cincinnati and QueerX. His film Don’t Be a DICK! (2020), won Best Animation at SPLICE Film Festival and his documentary Between Two Walls (2019) won Best animation at Berlin Independent Film Festival. His new works, Invisible Countdown (2024), The New Jews (2025), and Kotti Express (TBA) continue to showcase his signature storytelling and style.
Through his post-production studio, The Glass Prince, Steklov crafts animations, VFX, and edits for clients while pursuing his passion for filmmaking. His style challenges boundaries and explores identity in deeply personal ways, solidifying his place as a distinctive voice in contemporary cinema.
