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Would you like to be a film-maker? And what’s more, would you like your work to focus on the experience of the British Jewish community, a demographic largely ignored by the mainstream film industry?

This is not something I’d ever considered until last year’s UK Jewish Film Festival, when I went to an inspirational evening of short films screened at JW3.

The subject matter of these three to four-minute gems was rich and varied —from comedian Ivor Dembina selling jokes on the South Bank, to the peacock that took up residence in a Leeds shul car park.

bejamin till

Benjamin Till

The film-makers were of all ages, some experienced, others making their first-ever steps into the world of film-making. And each one was so compelling that I felt three minutes was probably the perfect length for any film.

One — entitled Shabbos Goy — told the story of Radlett United Synagogue’s caretaker Terry. Made by Adam Goott and Alexander Szlezinger, in four minutes it managed to be both jokey and profound, as Terry talked about his work at the shul and his Romany background and love of horses. It also incorporated a piece of animation, explaining the help that Terry could give the community during Shabbat.

When I heard subsequently that Terry had died, I felt as shocked as though I’d known him — a real testament to the film’s power.

These short documentaries were all part of a scheme run by UK Jewish Film aimed at encouraging people to turn the lens on any aspect of our community they think deserving of it.

You apply with a 500-word pitch, giving details of your idea and how you’d film it (the closing date is April 22). Five film-makers are selected and given £1,000 to make their film. If the winners are new to film-making then full mentorship is available.

“We’re looking for great ideas,” says Benjamin Till who runs the scheme. “There are so many fascinating stories to be told in this format.”

Till’s own story would be worthy of a film of its own. Growing up in Northamptonshire, he had no idea there was any Jewish aspect to his family.

Jewish dogs

Frum Dogs of Hendon, a winning short documentary from 2021