DELI MAN

Dir. Erik Greenberg Anjou (90min, USA, 2014)
Documentary
Mid-Atlantic Premiere

Jewish culture reflects the heart of a vital ethnic history. As that culture continues to shift and adapt alongside mainstream America, delicatessen food – as its name suggests – remains a beloved communal delicacy.

In Houston, Texas, third-generation deli man Ziggy Gruber has built arguably the finest delicatessen restaurant in U.S. history – building on the contributions of iconic delis such as Katz’s, 2nd Avenue Deli, Nate ‘n Al, Carnegie, and the Stage – and embodying a tradition indelibly linked to its savory, nostalgic foods. A laughter-filled, drool-inducing, history of the kugel, corned beef, and knoblewurst.

Co-presented by The Documentary Center at GWU and Machar.

On February 21, a panel discussion with Erik Greenberg Anjou along with food writer and cookbook author Joan Nathan and DGS owner Nick Wiseman will take place after the film.

Followed by a Special Dinner at DGS Delicatessen (RSVP necessary; dinner not included in ticket price).

Erik Greenberg Anjou is a graduate of Middlebury College (B.A. American Literature), Northwestern University (M.A. Film) and the American Film Institute’s Center for Advanced Film Studies (Directing Fellow). He has written, directed and produced in both the narrative and documentary arenas. His documentary A Cantor’s Tale won top prizes at many festivals. His documentary 8: Ivy League Football and America which features Tommy Lee Jones, Calvin Hill, Chuck Bednarik and many national football icons, has been popular on PBS affiliates.

His latest film, The Klezmatics – On Holy Ground, was the opening night film at the Krakow Film Festival, one of Europe’s oldest events dedicated to documentary film. Erik has a particular passion for Jewish culture and storytelling, and is committed to mining the territory between tradition and modernity as American-Jewish life continues to reshape itself in the 21st century. He has taught and lectured at Middlebury College, the Haverford School, School for Visual Arts, and St. John’s University.