Watch City of Joel

City of Joel is a 2018 documentary film directed by Jesse Sweet that explores the tensions and complexities surrounding the small town of Kiryas Joel in upstate New York. The film takes viewers on a journey through this unique community, which is home to the Satmar Hasidic Jewish sect, and examines the ongoing cultural clash between the ultra-Orthodox residents and their non-Hasidic neighbors.

The film starts by introducing the audience to the history of Kiryas Joel and the Satmar Hasidic sect. This community was founded by Holocaust survivors in the 1970s, and over time it has grown into a bustling enclave of over 20,000 people who adhere to strict religious laws and customs. The Hasidic residents speak Yiddish and follow a way of life that sets them apart from the non-Jewish residents of nearby Monroe and Woodbury.

Through interviews with community leaders and town officials, the film explores some of the challenges that have emerged as Kiryas Joel has expanded over the years. Most notably, the community has faced significant tension over its efforts to annex surrounding land that would allow it to expand even further. Many of the non-Hasidic residents of Monroe and Woodbury feel that the annexation would erode their own quality of life and their access to resources like water and schools.

In addition to examining the political controversy surrounding the annexation, City of Joel also delves into a range of social issues that the community has struggled with. For example, the film explores the ongoing debate over whether the Satmar Hasidim should be required to educate their children in secular subjects like math and science, or whether they should be allowed to focus solely on religious studies.

Alongside these weighty issues, the film also shines a light on the personal stories of some of the residents of Kiryas Joel. We meet young Hasidic families struggling to find affordable housing, as well as non-Hasidic business owners struggling to cope with the influx of new residents and changes to the local economy. Through these personal narratives, the film effectively brings to life the complex web of issues that animates the debate over Kiryas Joel's future.

One of the standout elements of City of Joel is its cinematography. Throughout the film, we are treated to stunning panoramic shots of the New York countryside, as well as intimate portraits of individual residents of Kiryas Joel. This visual richness is complemented by a thoughtful and nuanced approach to storytelling. The film does not take sides in the ongoing debate over the annexation, but instead seeks to explore the complex motivations and fears that drive both the Hasidic community and their non-Jewish neighbors.

Overall, City of Joel is a fascinating and thought-provoking look at a community that sits at the intersection of religion, politics, and culture in America today. While the film could benefit from a more coherent structure and tighter editing, it nevertheless offers a compelling and nuanced exploration of the issues facing Kiryas Joel and the people who call it home. Anyone interested in the complexities of multiculturalism and religious diversity in America will find much to ponder in this compelling film.

City of Joel is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.