Neil Friedman: Hollywood's Quiet Powerhouse

What this episode covers

Neil Friedman is the quiet powerhouse behind some of the most important Jewish cinema of the last two decades. As founder of Menemsha Films and ChaiFlicks — the world's largest Jewish streaming platform — he's racked up five consecutive Oscar-nominated films, championed hidden gems from six continents, and turned Bad Shabbos into a $1.5 million theatrical juggernaut at a moment when nobody goes to the movies anymore.Neil's story is one of Jewish ingenuity, resilience, and work ethic. **Special Promo to get an annual subscription to ChaiFlicks for only $36 for People Jew Wanna Know listeners!**Redemption link: http://www.chaiflicks.com/checkout/subscribe/purchase?code=people36&plan=yearlyRedemption code: PEOPLE36Follow Menemsha Films on IG @Menemshafilms and learn more at menemshafilms.com Follow ChaiFlicks on IG @chaiflicks and learn more at chaiflicks.com Support our work: buymeacoffee.com/peoplejewwannaknowWhat We Discuss:00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda03:15 From Park Avenue lawyer to Hollywood independent08:40 Why Jewish art house — and trusting his parents' taste12:20 Launching ChaiFlicks the first week of the pandemic17:10 Why *Bad Shabbos* worked when *Nobody Wants This* didn't24:30 The Florida-to-New York release strategy29:15 Films every young Jew should see34:50 Israeli TV is the best in the world, pound for pound38:20 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination

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How long is this episode of People Jew Wanna Know?

This episode is 40 minutes long.

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This episode was published on May 27, 2026.

What is this episode about?

Neil Friedman is the quiet powerhouse behind some of the most important Jewish cinema of the last two decades. As founder of Menemsha Films and ChaiFlicks — the world's largest Jewish streaming platform — he's racked up five consecutive...

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