April 25 • 2019 45
jn
FACETS OF BILL’
S LIFE
The film goes back to the early
years, describing extended family
summers at a cottage in Port Huron,
moving on to military service during
World War II and the tragic loss of
his father at a young age in an auto
accident. The documentary also out-
lines the initiatives that developed
his business successes — including
the turnaround of Auburn Hills-
based Guardian Industries into the
world’
s largest glass maker — which
now support the William Davidson
Foundation to enhance Southeast
Michigan, Israel and the Jewish
community.
Extensive numbers of interviews
— from family members to basket-
ball celebrities — give a personal
touch to the information and a sense
of William Davidson’
s personali-
ty. Especially informative are the
comments of Karen Davidson, Bill’
s
widow, who was very moved by the
film and family reaction to it.
“The film tells this great love story
that Ethan has for his father,” she
says. “We’
re all lucky that he included
us in it, too. It’
s so sweet that it’
s dedi-
cated to Bill’
s grandchildren.
“I loved everything about it, espe-
cially the clip where the Boston
Celtics announcer is announcing the
game between the Pistons and the
Celtics and shows what the NBA was
years ago, and I loved seeing Bill’
s
grandchildren during the premiere
at the Detroit Institute of Arts. They
watched the film so intently and cele-
brated their grandfather.
“I think the biggest takeaway is that
this man spent his whole life taking
over a failing business and build-
ing it. I think it’
s a great model for
patience in building. It just doesn’
t
happen overnight. He just worked.”
Ethan stayed close to film seg-
ments.
“I was there for 80 or 90 percent
of the interviews,” says Ethan, who
built a career in composing and
performing before working on the
Davidson foundation. “For the edit-
ing, there was a team at Push Media.
After the interviews, we had to have
everything transcribed. We would
read transcriptions and would iden-
tify various themes.”
Bill Davidson’
s sister, Dorothy
Gerson, voiced her recollections for
the film and says she appreciates
that her nephew Ethan began the
narration in the early years to pres-
ent the essence of the close family
ties held tight as time went along.
“My brother was very much his
own person,” Gerson explains as part
of the core film message, particularly
for viewers who did not know him
personally. “He was giving and lov-
ing, and he was a visionary in a lot of
the things he did. In business, sports
and charity, my brother left those
worlds better places.”
Among the 30 people interviewed
Top 10 Film Festival Picks
Trust us, you don’
t want to miss these fi
lms.
E
ric Lumberg, Lenore Marwil Detroit Jewish Film Festival committee chair, and
Jaemi Loeb, film festival director, offer their picks, all at the Jewish Community
Center in West Bloomfield.
SUNDAY, MAY 5, 7 P
.M. Golda’
s Balcony (American drama): The Broadway hit,
now on the big screen as Tovah Feldshuh brings Golda Meir to life. From Russian
schoolgirl to prime minister of Israel, Meir’
s story of hard work and determination is
an inspiration to all. Talkback with the producer
and dessert reception after the show.
MONDAY, MAY 6, 7 P
.M. The Mamboniks
(American documentary): Fun and music from
an unlikely source. Jewish teenagers in New
York embrace the Mambo craze and find com-
munity in the process. Come at 6.15 p.m. for a
free introductory class with Mambo Marci.
TUESDAY, MAY 7, 1 P
.M. Azimuth (Israeli
drama): Two opposing soldiers in the desert at
the end of the Six-Day War with only one way
out. Suspense that will keep you on the edge of
your seat.
Tuesday, May 7, 8 p.m. The Unorthodox
(Israeli drama): Out of frustration and rage
comes the first Orthodox Sephardic political
party in Israel. A group of misfits with no money
or connections achieve an impossible task.
Based on true events. Talkback with Professor
Howard Lupovitch after the show.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 8 P
.M. YidLive!: A
multimedia comedy show featuring the creators
of the award-winning YidLife Crisis at Ridley’
s
Comedy Castle in Royal Oak. Yiddish humor in
(mostly) English for ages 21-121.
THURSDAY, MAY 9, 7 P
.M. Chewdaism
(Canadian documentary) (Patron Night):
The history of Jewish Montreal, as told
through its delis and restaurants. Patron
dinner featuring Montreal kosher cuisine
before the show, talkback with the directors
after the show. To become a patron, visit
DetroitJewishFilmFestival.com/contribute.
SUNDAY, MAY 12, 1 P
.M. Itzhak (American
documentary): A compelling look at an artist
who overcame incredible challenges to become
the world’
s premier violin virtuoso. Come early
for live music in the main JCC lobby. Talkback
with Rabbi Aaron Bergman after the show.
MONDAY, MAY 13, 7 P
.M. Fractures (Israeli
drama): A timely drama that raises important
questions about power in relationships and the
complications of workplace liaisons. Talkback
with an expert panel after the show.
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 7 P
.M. Foxtrot (Israeli
drama): An award-winning Israeli drama about
the parents left behind when their son goes off
to war.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 7 P
.M. The Last Suit
(Argentinian drama): A sentimental journey of promises kept. Ignoring age and
illness, a man journeys to his pre-war home and finds himself along the way.
For a full schedule, go to detroitjewishfilmfestival.com.
Golda
Chewdaism
Mamboniks
Pistons owner Bill Davidson celebrates after the team’
s championship victory in 1989.
COURTESY ALLEN EINSTEIN
continued on page 46