Full Description
Meet Zephaniah and Hava Waks and their 17 children, one of the largest families in Australia. Everyday life in the orthodox Waks household is a logistical operation of monumental proportions. There are two minibuses, a kosher kitchen with five ovens and a bar mitzvah to cater every year. Born in Israel, Hava's childhood was steeped in conservative Judaism. Zephaniah grew up in a non-religious Jewish family in Sydney. His spiritual search led him to the Lubavitcher branch of Hasidism, based in New York, where his marriage was arranged through a matchmaker and friends. Together the couple has worked hard to raise their kids within the tenets of orthodoxy. Why have they made these life choices? How do the Waks cope with so many kids and the challenges and temptations of mainstream society? This engaging and boisterous documentary follows the family over five years, including the marriage of Zephaniah and Hava's eldest daughter, just months after the birth of their youngest daughter.
Filmmaker Bio(s)
Barbara Chobocky is a well-known Australian writer, producer and director with many successful and award-winning projects to her credit. She has served on the Boards of Women and Film and Television (WIFT), the Australian Screen Directors Association (ASDA) and was the founding convenor of ASDA's Documentary Sub Committee.
Ms Chobocky has continuously been involved in industry consultations with various bodies including the FFC, AFC and Film Australia. Her company, Documentary Films Pty Ltd has produced a number of films dealing with urgent social issues including award-winning titles Pins and Needles, Witch Hunt, Maria, Billion Dollar Crop and (in association with Film Australia) The Raid. She is currently producing and directing a documentary about one of Australia's best-known classical sopranos, Yvonne Kenny.
