Metro

ON THE COVER

IGHTS CAMERA ACTION!

Local filmmaker
Oren Goldenberg
is honored for
his role as an
inspiring young
activist.

Robin Schwartz
Special to the Jewish News

A

'Goldenberg found the

inspiration for his latest

project, a documentary called
Our School, after hearing
about the closings of dozens
of Detroit schools. The
feature-length film takes view-
ers through a day in the life of
urban high school students at
several Detroit schools.

A10

July 9 2009

filmmaker's role is often largely
behind-the-scenes. He or she is
the unsung hero who captures
our imaginations and sets our minds
soaring with vision, direction and the abil-
ity to weave a creative tale.
In the case of fledgling filmmaker Oren
Goldenberg, 25, of Detroit, he is both the
director and star in the figurative motion
picture of his life. He says he's drawn to
film as a vehicle for encouraging viewers
to feel empathy.
"It's a way I can viscerally interact with
people," Goldenberg says of making films.
"To give them a new experience, enlighten
them in some way, and make them more
open."
The University of Michigan film gradu-
ate has already done much in the way of
moving and enlightening people, even at
his young age. So much so, in fact, that
this year the Jewish Community Relations
Council, the public affairs voice of Detroit's
Jewish community, created a new Young
Activist Award just for him.
"The original Activist of the Year Award
was created to acknowledge an indi-
vidual who has contributed significantly
to furthering Council's mission:' said
Sharon Lipton of Waterford, who chaired
the selection committee. "We were so
impressed with Oren's accomplishments
we decided to create a special award to
honor him. Detroit and Israel are his roots;
tikkun olam (repairing the world) and
gemilut chassadim (helping others) are his
life's values."
The 20-something inspired commit-
tee members with his commitment to
Judaism and the city of Detroit. He lives in
the city and serves as a goodwill ambas-
sador, building bridges between Jews and