AUGUST 3 • 2023 | 47

DETROIT ROOTS
Much of Yaniv was filmed in Detroit at the 
Display Group studio, which is owned by 
one of the film’s executive producers, Rick 
Portwood. Production began in July 2022 
and included a robust cast of local Detroit 
actors secured by local casting director Janet 
Pound.
Carmi and Ducoff say that filming in 
Detroit was to their benefit in terms of 
budget and connections, but also gave them 
a chance to meet and network with Metro 
Detroit’s own Chasidic community. Plus, 
various areas of Detroit where Yaniv was 
filmed closely resembled Queens, New York, 
where the movie is set.
Throughout Yaniv, which has a runtime of 
about 80 minutes, viewers will catch glimpses 
of numerous Detroit landmarks, including 
the area of Woodward Avenue by Comerica 
Park and the historic B’nai David Cemetery 
on the east side of the city. Ducoff says the 
latter, in particular, was one of his favorite 
locations to film.
As a South Bronx teacher, Ducoff also 
understood the importance of including 
students and aspiring filmmakers in the 
making of Yaniv. For the portions filmed 
in New York, Ducoff’s own students played 

roles in both the film and production process 
and were paid for their work.

A HOMECOMING
Now, bringing Yaniv to Metro Detroit for 
its first advance screening serves as a sort of 
homecoming for Carmi and Ducoff, who 
credit the area for making the film what it is. 
“We just want to bring it back to Detroit 
where it all started,
” Carmi says. “Since the 
beginning, we knew that we wanted to show 
it in Detroit before we did anything else with 
it.
”
Following the advance screening at the 
Maple Theater, where tickets cost $12, Carmi 

and Ducoff plan to bring Yaniv to the indie 
film festival circuit. While the filmmaking 
pair say a Jewish audience is naturally a 
perfect fit for Yaniv, it’s for anyone interested 
in a “quirky comedy” or who “wants a thrill” 
exploring the unique aspects of the Jewish 
community.
Still, Carmi and Ducoff say Yaniv would 
have never been possible without their 
immense support in Detroit. “We are so 
grateful to the talented and hardworking 
people of this city for making this film 
possible,
” Carmi says, “and showing what 
great film industry opportunities are 
available here.
” 

Filming behind 
the scenes in 
the film’s “Club 
Room”

Filmmakers set a scene during production, 
much of which took place in Detroit.

DETAILS 
Yaniv will screen at 
the Maple Theater 
on Aug. 10 at 8 p.m. 
You can buy tickets 
at yanivfilm.com.

