Still from AMERICAN RADICAL: THE TRIALS OF NORMAN FINKELSTEIN
Still from AMERICAN RADICAL: THE TRIALS OF NORMAN FINKELSTEIN
 

On Demand

American Radical: The Trials of Norman Finkelstein

by David Ridgen & Nicolas Rossier
Why has criticizing Israel cost Norman Finkelstein his job, his reputation, and maybe his home?
2009  ·  1h24m  ·  United States
English
About the Film

American Radical is the probing, definitive documentary about American academic Norman Finkelstein. A devoted son of Holocaust survivors, ardent critic of Israel and U.S. policy toward the Middle East, and author of five provocative books, including The Holocaust Industry, Norman Finkelstein has been steadfast at the center of many intractable controversies, including his denial of tenure at DePaul University.

Called a lunatic and disgusting self-hating Jew by some, and an inspirational revolutionary by others, Finkelstein is a deeply polarizing figure whose struggles arise from core questions about freedom, identity and nationhood. From Beirut to Kyoto, the filmmakers follow Finkelstein around the world as he attempts to negotiate a voice among both supporters and critics, providing an intimate portrait of the man behind the controversy while giving equal time to both his critics and supporters.


ABOUT NORMAN FINKELSTEIN

Both of Norman Finkelstein’s parents are Holocaust survivors who were active in the Warsaw ghetto uprising. His mother, Maryla Husyt Finkelstein survived the Majdanek concentration camp, and his father, Zacharias Finkelstein, survived the Auschwitz concentration camp. Finkelstein’s work has earned him both condemnation and praise from various intellectuals and scholars. He has written six notable books on the Middle East conflict and the Holocaust, including the international bestsellers The Holocaust Industry and Beyond Chutzpah. Finkelstein is completing his seventh book – A Farewell to Israel: The Coming Break-up of American Zionism – arguing that American Jewish support for Israel is beginning to wane. Finkelstein has been mentored by notable linguist and political scientist Noam Chomsky and his late wife Carol. He is a close friend of Canadian Nazi Hunter Ruth Bettina Birn and Award winning investigative journalist Allan Nairn. He often appears on the award-winning radio and television program Democracy Now

Upcoming Screenings

Stay tuned for upcoming screenings!

Festivals and Awards
2009
Jewish International Film Festival, Jerusalem, Official Selection
2009
International Documentary Film Festival, Amsterdam, Official Selection
2009
Sheffield International Film Festival, Official Selection
2009
Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, Official Selection
2009
Docudays Film Festival, Beirut, Official Selection
2009
Montreal International Film Festival, Official Selection
2009
Chicago Underground Film Festival, Winner, Audience Award
2010
Hot Docs International Film Festival, Official Selection
2010
, Winner, Cinema Politica Audience Choice Award
Editor
Cameron Clendaniel
Cinematographer
David Ridgen and Nicolas Rossier
Producer
David Ridgen, Nicolas Rossier, Cameron Clendaniel, Jennifer Utz, Jennifer Filippazzo, Saed Andoni, Lida Charaf, Dan Yaron, Chris Krystallis and Camille Almada
Sound Editor
Eli Cohn
Soundtrack Composer
Judd Greenstein and Good Child Music (ASCAP)
Translator
Samir Al and Hanan Tabbara
About the Director

David Ridgen

David Ridgen is an international award-winning independent Canadian
filmmaker who specializes in character-driven, POV, and investigative
documentaries for theatrical, tv, radio, and web. And also in writing,
directing, and shooting short and longform drama. He has worked for
the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, MSNBC, NPR, TVOntario, the
Center for Investigative Reporting, and others.

 

Nicolas Rossier

 

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