The Mensch
When Rabbi Sara loses a priceless Holocaust-era Torah, her search becomes a dangerous, darkly funny one-night odyssey to confront extremism, test her faith and save her community.
Project Overview
THE MENSCH
SHOOTING NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2026 | LAS CRUCES, NEW MEXICO
A contemporary Jewish folk tale and dark comedy-thriller, five years in the making. Principal photography begins November 16, with post-production planned for 2027.
When Rabbi Sara loses a priceless Holocaust-era Torah, her search becomes a dangerous, darkly funny one-night odyssey to recover it, confront extremism and save her community. Driven by an ensemble of Jewish women, The Mensch explores faith, grief, resilience and what it means to remain a decent person in a world that often rewards the opposite.
The ensemble includes two-time Academy Award nominee Judd Hirsch, Thora Birch, Gina Gershon, Adam Shapiro and Arielle Goldman. Written by David Ethan Shapiro and Melanie Shaw. Directed by David Ethan Shapiro.
The opening vignette has already been filmed. A director’s lookbook and work-in-progress footage are available on request.
We’re welcoming partners for this next chapter: additional production support now and completion financing for 2027. We’d love to share the film’s world and talk about becoming part of bringing it to audiences.