This event will feature Austrian filmmaker Ruth Beckermann and her latest film Zorro’s Bar Mitzva (2006). The camera follows four Jewish children in Vienna in their preparation for and celebration of this Jewish rite of passage. Beckermann’s ironic-critical gaze on Sharon, Tom, Moishy, Sophie and their families documents the colourful variety of Jewish life in contemporary Vienna and the renewed self-confidence of Jews living there once again. Following a short extract of the film Ruth Beckermann and Andrea Reiter, Reader in German at the University of Southampton, will discuss the film with each other and with the audience.

Ruth Beckermann has published several books, including Die Mazzesinsel. Juden in der Wiener Leopoldstadt 1918–1938 (Vienna 1984), Unzugehörig. Österreicher und Juden nach 1945 (Vienna 1989). Her major films include: Wien Retour (1983), Die papierene Brücke (1987), Nach Jerusalem (1990), Jenseits des Krieges (1996), Ein flüchtiger Zug nach dem Orient (1999), Homemad(e) (2001).