JIFF25: Neshoma

Australian premiere 

The “neshoma” (a Yiddish-Hebrew word meaning “soul” or “spirit”) of pre-World War II Jewish Amsterdam is brought to life in this fascinating, creative documentary. Archival material provides the visual context for letters written by a fictional character called Rusha, corresponding with her brother Max who has left for the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia).  

Narrated by Daniella Kertesz (Shtisel), Rusha’s letters are inspired by real-life testimonials, beginning amid a brightly optimistic Amsterdam at the end of World War I. They paint a vivid portrait of hustling traders on the flea market, proud diamond cutters, cabaret singers and entrepreneurs building department stores, hotels and cinemas. Tragically, this progress gives way to severe economic depression and the rise of fascism, culminating in the occupation of the Netherlands.  

Neshoma transports you right into the heart of interwar Amsterdam, illustrating how integral Jewish life was to the vibrant city’s own “neshoma”.  

English, Dutch with English subtitles