Metro Cinema Society: American Radical

American Radical

Canada/USA 2009, 84 min, Dir: David Ridgen & Nicolas Rossier

American Radical is the probing, definitive documentary about American academic Norman Finkelstein. A devoted son of holocaust survivors, ardent critic of Israel and US Mid-East policy, and author of five provocative books including, The Holocaust Industry, Finkelstein has been steadfast at the center of many intractable controversies, including his recent denial of tenure at DePaul University. Called a lunatic and disgusting self-hating Jew by some, and an inspirational street-fighting 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.

Features interviews with Finkelstein, Alan Dershowitz, Noam Chomsky, John Mearsheimer, Alan Dershowitz and more.

“A fascinating, well-rounded portrait of Finkelstein that simultaneously informs, inspires and infuriates…” – Mark Achbar, award-winning Director of The Corporation and Manufacturing Consent: Noam Chomsky & the Media

“The film raises important questions about Norman’s work and controversial path… should be seen as the beginning of an exploration of some of the deeper issues facing Jews and Judaism in the 21st century.” – Marc Ellis, director of the Center for Jewish Studies at Baylor University and author of Toward a Jewish Theology of Liberation

“This deeply researched, probing film transcends politics and sociology: it’s a profoundly humanistic document about the roots and consequences of speaking your mind. – Saul Rubinek, Canadian actor & director