But, when I toil in the field of Jewish culture which I frequently do, I am indeed a Jewish artist.

I am filled with awe that filmmakers have the capacity to stir us and give us back a sense of wonder.

I prefer to choose which traditions to keep and which to let go.

No movement can afford to be caught in a time warp and exist in a state of suspended animation.

After the advent of the written word, the masses who could not - or were not permitted to - read, were given sermons by the few who could.

By showing hunger, deprivation, starvation and brutality, as well as endurance and nobility, documentaries inform, prod our memories, even stir us to action. Such films do battle for our very soul.

I remain convinced that I can be a true universalist only when I am a better Jew.