‘October 8’ Is A Must-See (and not just for the reason you might think)

This documentary couldn’t have come at a better time. After all, just a couple weeks ago we had to watch The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences award an Oscar to the misleading propaganda film “So Much Land” (I fixed the title for them).

“October 8” feels like Director Wendy Sachs’ response to the blatant bias that’s been emanating out of Hollywood for far too long. This time it’s our story from our perspective. In other words…it’s the truth.

The documentary covers the alarming explosion of antisemitism that erupted immediately after Hamas’ October 7th attack on Israel. The very next day (hence the title) we were already seeing highly organized protestors doing quick work to reshape the narrative, framing Israel and Jews as the villain in the story of their own massacre. And all this before we even knew the full extent of the horrors that transpired the day before.

Compelling firsthand accounts were woven into a year’s worth of footage of outright, unchecked hate. I wish every one of my non-Jewish friends would see this so they could understand what we’ve been up against. In fact, this documentary should be required viewing for every adult on planet Earth. But in this case, the film’s important subject matter happens to be only one of the reasons we should all be running to the theater to see it.

When I heard this documentary was being released nationwide, I bought tickets for opening weekend immediately—I knew I had to support it. Not only that, I did my best to get everyone I knew to support it too. I sent emails and texts inviting friends to our showing. I collaborated with the film’s account on Instagram to make a widespread announcement to anyone in Miami who wanted to join us. I even roped my husband into sending the invite to our Temple’s Israel group and his Wexner cohort.

“Why do you care about this so much?” he asked. “You may want to explain that when you’re inviting people.” The question caught me off guard—to me it seems obvious. Why do I care? Because this one’s for us. This one actually shows the systematic hate and discrimination we’ve been facing for the past eighteen months. In the alternate universe we’ve been living in, where literal terrorists are receiving more sympathy and support than innocent civilians kidnapped from their homes or college kids just trying to go to class—this film is a much needed moment of moral clarity.

If we’re not supporting this, then what are we even doing?

Our showtime didn’t quite sell out like I had hoped, but attendance was solid. The theater was filled with people who felt like family, whether we knew each other or not. And while the pain of the last year and a half was difficult to relive at times, it helped to be together. Our community showed up to support the film, and for that I’m proud.

I’ve struggled with how to navigate our new normal since October 7th, and I’ve landed on a motto that’s become my guide: amplify good. I may not be the outspoken activist or the content creator or the public speaker—but I can support the people who are. I can share the post, buy the book, or attend the seminar. I can write about the Nova exhibit or feature a Q&A with an activist in my latest essay. I can listen to the podcast or send a donation to those who are inspiring others and requested some assistance.

I can help amplify the good that they’re doing. And so can you.

In case you haven’t noticed, there aren’t a whole lot of people standing up for Jews right now. The fact that Wendy Sachs not only had the chutzpah to pitch this film in the first place, but managed to get a stellar documentary across the finish line to the point of nationwide distribution? In today’s climate of extreme aversion to anything pro-Israel or pro-Jewish, this is a huge accomplishment and major win for our community—high praise has never been more deserved.

And it only takes a glance at the list of producers attached to the film to know Wendy’s in great company. Among others, the impressive lineup includes Debra Messing, Samantha Ettus, and Zibby Owens—all of whom have become rockstars of the Jewish advocacy space since October 7th (and voices I’m personally quite thankful for). I knew if they were involved with the project, it was something to get behind.

So how can we show our appreciation and support for people who are doing critical work standing up for the Jewish community (and Western civilization as we know it)? In this case, it’s pretty simple:

Buy the ticket. See the film. Tell your friends.

Amplify the good.

And while you’re at it—combat the haters trying to tank the optics and give it a 10-star rating on IMDB.

For showtimes, visit www.october8film.com.