Jewish Journal Campaigns For Woody Allen to Film in Israel (Video)

On his global tour of cities that are not his native New York, Woody Allen has limited his movie-making to Europe: Spain (Vicky Christina Barcelona); France (Midnight in Paris); Italy (To Rome With Love); and the U.K. (Match Point).

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A new campaign brought forth by the Jewish Journal (via LA Observed) begs the acclaimed director to shoot a film in the Israeli cities of Jerusalem or Tel Aviv.

"Here’s this week’s not-so-crazy idea: Let’s all pitch in, just a few dollars each, and fund Woody Allen’s next movie — in Israel," editor Rob Eshman writes of the Journal's effort, dubbed, "The Woody Allen Israel Project."

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So far, about $900 has been pledged with 45 days to go toward the goal of raising $18 million.

"That’s what an Allen movie costs," says Eshman. "A work of art — did I neglect to mention he is the Chaplin of our time, the greatest living filmmaker in the world? — that will enable Israel to enter the world’s imagination in a way a billion dollars of hasbara couldn’t possibly buy. All Allen asks for is funding, and complete control over his project."

He continues: "As far as I know, Allen himself has never been to Israel. For a man who has done much to define the image of 'Jew' in our time, this needs repair."

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Allen, meanwhile, has just released his latest romantic comedy, To Rome With Love, co-starring Penelope Cruz, Alec Baldwin and Jesse Eisenberg; next up is an as-yet-untitled project featuring Baldwin, Cate Blanchett and Louis C.K. that will be filmed in San Francisco and New York.

As for Israel, watch a clip of actress Noa Tishby pitching the country on the Journal's behalf.