Documentary provides a canvas onto which I explore issues regarding identity. My family’s legacy and my own journey in life have been the source of inspiration for my work. Born in Argentina to Holocaust survivors, I became a detective investigating my own personal atlas, adept at the observation and interpretation of both perceptible and concealed clues. It was only natural that my chosen artistic path became documentaries. The format suits my personal need to synthesize, simplify and give structure to what is usually a chaotic and complex reality.
Every project I take on must have the seeds of that exhilarating feeling of uncovering and, then, tracing the threads of a unique tapestry providing me with clues into my own life. Over the years, I have been on a quest to define my own unique voice. Traveling this road of self-discovery, combined with my Jewish lens helps me fine-tune my path and bring me closer to my “true” voice.
My work is about discovering new landscapes within oneself and the world at-large. It’s about how you pull experiences from within, taking the texture and color to create connections and charter new territory. My hope is that audiences from all walks of life and faiths will be inspired by what they see on screen, encouraged to learn more and challenged about their long-held perspectives.
"The New York Jewish Film Festival audiences were deeply moved by Gabriela Böhm's powerful and moving film, The Longing. Gabriela is an extraordinary filmmaker with a discerning eye and keen ear for strong visuals and riveting dialogue. The characters she introduces us to are inspiring, and the film brings their stories to light in a most sensitive way…The audience was thrilled to meet her and hear more…Many attendees…expressed their enthusiasm for the film and Q and A session." -- Aviva Weintraub, Associate Curator, Director New York Jewish Film Festival, The Jewish Museum
"Gabriela Böhm is a passionate and ambitious filmmaker whose terrific and moving documentary The Longing is a beautiful movie which pleased audiences at the Santa Fe Film Festival and the Film Center during its theatrical run. Gabriela's film has been touching audiences while entertaining and educating. Gabriela is an energetic filmmaker and woman who is a strong asset to our Festival." -- Stephen Rubin, Program Director, Santa Fe Film Festival
“The Longing, … will move any viewer but it’s especially recommended for social action-oriented spiritual and community leaders looking for a shot of inspiration.” -- Michael Fox, The Jewish News Weekly
“The tone of the conference was set by a beautiful and moving film and presentation. Gabriela Böhm's film The Longing encapsulated many of the issues and experiences of crypto-Jews... It highlighted the inner tensions and joys of this process and their experiences of both rejection and acceptance by other Jews. The film also highlighted the complexity and fluid nature of identity, themes that were the leit motif of the conference as a whole.” -- Seth Kunin, Conference Chair for the Society of Crypto Judaic Studies, Fall 2009
