Hasidistock

At ones intensely joyous and surprisingly profound, Hasidistock chronicles the incredible journeys of some of the most beloved singers of contemporary Jewish music. Traveling from Jerusalem to New York and back, this exuberant documentary combines a rare insight into Orthodox communities with an infectious soundtrack featuring contemporary Jewish pop songs and ancient melodies. A poetry of love, longing, and affirmation radiates through the music, which captures some of the best sounds from Israel today. Directed by Asaf Galay and Avida Livny, and created by acclaimed Israeli producer Amitai Achiman, Hasidistock explores the status of music in Orthodox society, outlining the creative and economic influences at work around it, how its stars are born as well as the place of women in this intriguing musical scene. Irresistible, intoxicating joy is the emotion conveyed in every frame of this spectacular film that so clearly expresses the sustenance great music provides those who work in and love the genre. (Miami Jewish Film Festival)