By: Emma Vance
In an era where the intersection of identity, faith, and personal transformation is more prominent than ever, Dar Dowling’s documentary Hineni emerges as a beacon of understanding and acceptance. Premiering at The Female Eye Film Festival in Toronto, this powerful film follows
the poignant journey of Moshe, a transgender man with a profound calling to convert to conservative Judaism.
The Hebrew term “Hineni,” meaning “here I am,” encapsulates the essence of Moshe’s journey—a declaration of presence and affirmation of self amidst the complex process of religious conversion. Through rare footage and insightful interviews, Dowling crafts a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally resonant, capturing every step of Moshe’s transformative experience.
In an exclusive interview, Dar Dowling shares insights into the inspiration behind directing Hineni, the timing of its release, personal revelations experienced through filmmaking, and the challenges encountered along this creative voyage.
When asked what sparked the idea to direct such a unique story, Dowling recalls Moshe’s initial revelation about his decision to convert to conservative Judaism. “I immediately knew it was a story that needed to be told,” she says. Captivated by Moshe’s passion and commitment throughout his conversion process, Dowling was intrigued by how he navigated what was largely uncharted territory. She found the collaboration between Moshe and the two rabbis particularly compelling, as they explored sensitive topics like circumcision and ritual immersion (mikvah bath), highlighting a real-world testament to the power of community.
Some might question the timing of releasing such a documentary in light of current global challenges. However, Dowling believes now is precisely the right time for Hineni. The film embodies the importance of embracing one’s true self—a message she finds especially relevant today. “Moshe’s story exemplifies passion, bravery, and conviction. It serves as inspiration for others to pursue their true selves, no matter what obstacles they may face,” she explains.
Making Hineni has been an enlightening experience for Dowling; it has underscored the power of community support in facilitating individual transformations. Witnessing how people rallied around Moshe during his conversion process reminded her that kindness and cooperation can make a significant difference in people’s lives. The joyous scene towards the film’s end—where the rabbis sing to welcome Moshe into their community—resonates deeply with Dowling. It encapsulates a celebration and a reminder of joy’s infectious nature.
Dowling shares candidly that her biggest challenge was adhering to her preferred filmmaking process—shooting interviews solo to foster intimacy between subject and filmmaker while eliminating distractions. This minimalist approach presented technological hurdles but ensured authenticity in storytelling—an aspect critical for documentaries like Hineni. Assistance from individuals during crucial scenes helped overcome these challenges while maintaining the integrity of each moment captured on film.
Ricardo Madan played an invaluable role—his editing prowess brought coherence to the raw footage while preserving its emotional core. His creativity added layers to Moshe’s story that might otherwise have remained unseen or unfelt by audiences.
Hineni stands out not just as a documentary but as a profound exploration of what it means to discover and affirm one’s identity within the bounds of tradition and change. Dar Dowling’s directorial acumen shines through every frame, skillfully blending narrative depth with aesthetic sensitivity. The result is a compelling tale that invites conversation, fosters understanding, and elicits a spectrum of emotions—tears, reflection, laughter, and, ultimately, joy.
If you’re interested in diving deeper into this remarkable journey or learning more about Dar Dowling’s work, check out her website.
Published By: Aize Perez
