The Hebrew Hammer

The Story "The Hebrew Hammer," is an action-comedy written and directed by 28-year-old Jonathan Kesselman. The film stars Adam Goldberg in the title role, with Judy Greer, Andy Dick, Mario Van Peebles, Peter Coyote and Nora Dunn starring in supporting roles. By creating "The Hebrew Hammer," Kesselman has brought to life a character rarely seen in Hollywood or off-Hollywood films: a sexy and powerful Jewish action hero. Just as such indelible films as Melvin Van Peebles' "Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song" and Gordon Parks' "Shaft" were reactions to Hollywood's inability or unwillingness to portray strong, sexy Black characters in the early 70s, Kesselman's "Hammer" is his way of creating a new hero for a new generation. Like any exploitation film, "The Hebrew Hammer" pitches stereotypes like flaming fastballs at a knowing audience. But it would be wrong to say that Kesselman, by creating a "Shaft" with peyos, is satirizing the Blaxploitation genre. Instead, Kesselman is honoring the genre, proud that he, too has made a picture with a built-in audience in mind. Written and directed by Jonathan Kesselman, "The Hebrew Hammer" was shot on 33 New York City locations in 22 days in the spring of 2002. Kesselman's brother, Josh Kesselman of Jericho Entertainment, produced the film with R&BFM's Lisa Fragner and ContentFilm's Sofia Sondervan. ContentFilm's Edward R. Pressman and John Schmidt are executive producers.