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Waxing Nostalgiac

3/21/2020

photos Ben Lemelman

It's been about 3 weeks since these pictures were taken at the showing of The Tattooed Torah in Chicago. It seems so long ago - so much has happened in the world.
The photos are of some of the many talented people that created this wonderful film.
Bottom photo from left --
Daniel Alcheh, Beth Kopin, Christian Robins, Lisa Effress, Brett Kopin, Marc Bennett, and me.
To find out more about these amazing folks go to www.thetattooedtorah.com

Stay Home and Stay Safe.

Preview of The Tattooed Torah

2/5/2020

The movie is being submitted and shown at film festivals throughout the country.
Here is a link to
THE TATTOOED TORAH - Trailer:
https://vimeo.com/388346425

Link to JCC Chicago Film Festival
https://jccfilmfest.jccchicago.org/films-2020/the-tattooed-torah/

Times of Israel Blog

1/9/2020

Thanks to Beth Kopin, the driving force behind the making of the movie,
The Tattooed Torah, for this article about creating the art. Click on the link to view.

https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/inches-to-metric-the-making-of-a-movie-3/

Initial construction of background.

Initial painting of background

New Years Eavesdropping

1/1/2020

Actually this old (like me) comic was done about a Christmas walk years ago but
New Years Eavesdropping is a better title.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Mendel's Daughter Analysis

12/20/2019

I recently received the book, Holocaust Graphic Narratives (Rutgers University Press, 2020) by Victoria Aarons. Dr. Aarons is a Professor of English at Trinity College where she teaches courses on American Jewish and Holocaust literature.
I was pleased to see that she devotes a chapter to my graphic memoir, Mendel’s Daughter (Free Press/Simon & Schuster, 2006). Her thoughtful analysis of my work was perceptive and spot on.

Digital Clean Up Time

12/1/2019

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!
Was trying to clean up my desktop and found these old promos.
I forgot I did them.
Old age, I guess.

Back from the Premieres of The Tattooed Torah Movie

11/6/2019

The movie was based on the children’s book, The Tattooed Torah
written by Marvell Ginsburg
Illustrated by Martin Lemelman

The three screenings at the Illinois Holocaust Museum, the Solomon Schechter Day School, and Temple Beth Am reached approximately 700 viewers - a truly amazing experience in Chicago.

There are more showings scheduling in L.A., Florida, London, and Prague. A Spanish version will be shown in Mexico City and Panama City. More coming up. Whew...

I met such delightful and friendly people - some who were the talented folks that created this wonderful movie. Amazingly, there were a few I had only spoken to over the phone or emailed!

Beth Kopin, daughter of Marvell Ginsburg, made this movie happen. Her tireless work brought people together from all over the country. She made us all feel comfortable and was an incredible host.

Panel Discussion at the Illinois Holocaust Museum

From left to right-
Marc Bennett - Author Screenplay, Director and Energizer Bunny in human form
Martin Lemelman - Illustrator
Melinda Goldrich - Executive Producer, President Director The Goldrich Family Foundation
Beth Kopin - Executive Producer
Lisa Effress - Producer, Managing Partner 11 Dollar Bill
Brett Kopin - Author Screenplay (holding the actual Tattooed Torah)
Jeffrey Pittle - Animator

Missing artists
Christian Robins - Animator
Daniel Alcheh - Original Music

Trying to Get 'The Tattooed Torah' Just Right

10/14/2019

Just finished this final painting needed for a shot in the film.
Working up to the deadline of the premiere in Chicago, October 24.
Whew.
Music, sound effects and narration are being mixed, as well.
Everyone working hard-- very dedicated.

Premiere of the Tattooed Torah Movie

9/12/2019

October 24 is the premiere of this wonderful movie.
So many talented people worked on it (and are still working on it). It's amazing how much work goes into a 20 minute film. There's some tweaking needed in the animation, as well as, the addition of sound effects. The music is slated to be recorded by an orchestra in Russia later this month, etc. etc...
So, if you're in Chicago-- come! I'll be showing a dozen original paintings at the opening.
It's been a long but rewarding journey.

Back from a month in Europe. As the cliche goes--"I need a vacation."

7/11/2019

Some redo faces needed for the TTT Video. Feeling a bit rusty.