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