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Neshoma

Name: Neshoma
Director: Sandra Beerends
Released: 2025
Duration: 87 min

Representation Score

4.3/10

Fair

2025

Director

Sandra Beerends

Runtime

87 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Neshoma serves as a significant act of cultural reclamation. By focusing on the soul of pre-war Jewish Amsterdam, the documentary disrupts conventional Western historical perspectives and offers a complex, layered view of European history. The film excels in its treatment of ethnic and cultural identity. It moves beyond mere factual recounting to explore the deeper, empathetic impact of systemic historical erasure on a displaced community. While the documentary lacks explicit representation for LGBTQ+ or disability-centric narratives, its strength lies in its deep engagement with preserving a culture often sidelined in mainstream Western narratives.

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Category Breakdown

Does Neshoma have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not provide any direct evidence related to LGBTQ+ identities. The main focus is on ethnic and spiritual history rather than gender-related themes.

How does Neshoma portray gender?

Fair

The documentary has potential for nuanced gender representation by highlighting underrepresented voices. However, it follows a traditional historical framework without challenging gender hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Neshoma?

Excellent

The film demonstrates strong intentionality by focusing on a non-Anglo-Saxon, ethnic minority experience. It successfully challenges the Eurocentric historical perspective by emphasizing the history of a underrepresented group.

How does Neshoma represent religion and culture?

Excellent

By centering the Yiddish-Hebrew concept of 'Neshoma,' the work prioritizes non-Western spiritual frameworks. It explores how systemic historical forces impact a specific, oppressed community.

Does Neshoma include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no available evidence to suggest the inclusion of neurodivergent or physically disabled perspectives within this historical context.

Present on Screen

Strong focus on a non-Anglo-Saxon, ethnic minority experience.
Effective use of Yiddish-Hebrew spiritual frameworks to reclaim cultural identity.
Challenges traditional Eurocentric historical perspectives through focused cultural memory.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ or gender-identity centric narratives.
Provides no visible representation of neurodivergent or physically disabled perspectives.

Official Synopsis

Neshoma is the Yiddish-Hebrew word for soul or spirit. In Sandra Beerends’ new film, this refers to the soul of pre-war Jewish Amsterdam.

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