Aaron Davidson’s documentary films on Jewish themes have all been created in South Florida, but transcend their local flavor and are at once familiar and nostalgic. A hallmark of his work is a periodic update of his films, often with poignant, ironic, or unexpected results, as films made innocently more than a decade ago in an earlier context take on new and added meaning with contemporary footage. “Rascal House” is one of three films being screened for Miami Book Fair that amazingly span 13 years – a significant milestone, as the films are now Bar Mitzvah age.
Rascal House
This film was made on the closing weekend of the Rascal House Restaurant, a Jewish-style deli and a beloved fixture in South Florida for more than 50 years. Davidson was there to capture the essence of this classic restaurant on its last day as patrons came to reminisce at this stalwart landmark. The filmmaker has returned to this location over the years for several surprising updates of what happened after its closing.