Charleston, September 19, 2025
News Summary
The documentary ‘This Happy Land’, directed by Michael Givens, will premiere at Queen Street Playhouse, featuring Charleston’s Jewish history through art and technology. The film includes over three hours of narratives and interviews, highlighting the city’s historical Jewish community and its significant cultural contributions. Tickets are priced at $12, with proceeds benefiting the Jewish Historical Society of South Carolina.
Charleston Premieres Documentary on Jewish History
The documentary This Happy Land, written, directed, and produced by former Charleston resident Michael Givens, is set to premiere on September 20, from 1-5 p.m. at Queen Street Playhouse. The film explores the rich Jewish history of Charleston through a unique combination of paintings and artificial intelligence, depicting community life from the past.
Originally intended as a short film, Givens expanded the scope of the project as he delved deeper into research and conducted interviews for the documentary, leading to over three hours of footage and conversations chronicling Charleston’s Jewish history. This documentary integrates insights from interviews with Jewish scholars, authors, and rabbis to provide a comprehensive discussion on Jewish culture and history within the context of Charleston.
Historically, Charleston held the distinction of having the largest Jewish community in America, particularly through two significant waves of Jewish immigration. The first wave occurred in the 1700s, consisting mainly of Sephardic Jews, while the second phase took place in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, marked by an influx of Ashkenazic Jews. Givens noted the welcoming nature of Southern Christians, which encouraged Jewish migration to the area.
The film features thematic discussions surrounding mercantilism and the critical roles that Jews have played in the development of society. As part of its narrative, This Happy Land captures the essence of immigrant Jews’ experiences, reflecting how they viewed their new home through its title. A painting employed in the documentary visually represents the Jewish life across Charleston’s rich history.
Givens prepared for this venture by reading approximately 65 books and identifying about 20 scholars across the country for interviews. The documentary’s goal is to make history come alive on screen, allowing a deeper understanding of the past through engaging narratives surrounding the Jewish community in Charleston.
The ticket price for the premiere will be $12, with half of the proceeds benefiting the Jewish Historical Society of South Carolina.
Key Features of the Documentary
- Title: This Happy Land
- Director: Michael Givens
- Premiere Date: September 20
- Location: Queen Street Playhouse
- Film Duration: Over three hours of footage
- Ticket Price: $12
- Proceeds: Half to the Jewish Historical Society of South Carolina
FAQ
What is This Happy Land?
This Happy Land is a documentary written, directed, and produced by former Charleston resident Michael Givens that explores Charleston’s Jewish history through paintings and AI.
When and where will the documentary premiere?
The premiere of This Happy Land will take place at Queen Street Playhouse on September 20, from 1-5 p.m.
How much are the tickets for the premiere?
The ticket price for the premiere is $12, and half of the proceeds will go to the Jewish Historical Society of South Carolina.
What are the historical aspects highlighted in the documentary?
At one time, Charleston had the largest Jewish community in America, with two major waves of Jewish immigration: one in the 1700s from Sephardic Jews and another in the late 19th and early 20th centuries from Ashkenazic Jews.
What is the purpose of the documentary?
The film aims to make the past come alive on screen while providing a deeper understanding through engaging narratives about Jewish culture and history.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Trump’s Comments on ‘Shylock’ Ignite Antisemitism Debate
Columbia University Faces Accreditation Threat Over Antisemitism Claims
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier
- Wikipedia: Jewish Heritage in the United States
- San Diego Jewish World
- Google Search: Charleston Jewish History
- Live 5 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jewish Holidays
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
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