BIOGRAPHIES
THE LAST SERMON is a production of Pax Americana Productions in association with Chaos Films, Mistral Artist Management, The Media Line, and Cineglass Media.
Jack Baxter – Director, Producer
Jack Baxter is a writer, director, producer and freelance journalist from New York City. He produced the controversial and critically acclaimed 1995 documentary “Brother Minister: The Assassination of Malcolm X.” Mr. Baxter and his wife, Executive Producer Fran Strauss-Baxter, are the producers of the award-winning documentary, “Blues by The Beach” (2004). Jack is the co-author of the graphic novel, “Mike’s Place: A True Story of Love, Blues, and Terror in Tel Aviv” (2015) published by Macmillan.
Joshua Faudem – Producer
Joshua Faudem is an award-winning American-Israeli documentary filmmaker who has shot and directed television programs in Israel, Europe, Canada, and America. Mr. Faudem directed the award-winning documentary “Blues by the Beach” (2004) and is the co-author of the graphic novel “Mike’s Place: A True Story of Love, Blues, and Terror in Tel Aviv.”
Avi Bohbot – Producer, Research
Avi Bohbot is a writer, director, producer based in Tel Aviv. He founded Chaos Films with a vision of creating artistic and thought-provoking films. This boutique production company specializes in feature films, documentaries, and TV series and cross-media productions. In addition to making films, Mr. Bohbot teaches screenwriting and filmmaking workshops and is an artistic consultant for the Israeli Film Fund. Chaos Films recently released two documentary films, “Garden of Eden” (2013) and “Lebanon Does Not Believe in Tears”(2010).
Jerome Rudes – Producer, Agent
Jerome Rudes launched the Avignon Film Festival in 1984 and directed it for 25 years as well as creating the American version of the festival, “Avignon/New York” that he curated for 13 years. Mr. Rudes worked with the Fifi Oscard Agency in Manhattan for 10 years before creating Mistral Artist Management to represent innovative storytellers. Mr. Rudes is the 2014 U.S. winner of "La Médaille d'Or du Rayonnement Culturel" a prize that distinguishes persons who have rendered distinguished service in French language, literature and arts.
Felice Friedson – Press Conference Producer
In 2000, Felice Friedson developed the concept for The Media Line, an American news agency specializing in coverage of the Middle East, which has become one of the most prolific content providers to the region and around the world. Under Ms. Friedson's direction, The Media Line has become a primary source of reliable news and information to both the public and private sectors with a strong emphasis on economic coverage from Israel and Palestine.
Barry Rosen – Public Affairs Consultant
Barry Rosen is the former press attaché at the United States Embassy in Tehran in 1979. Mr. Rosen is a survivor of the 1979–1981 Iran Hostage Crisis. He is an advocate for hostages worldwide and an advisory board member of UNAI (United Against Nuclear Iran).
Matt Glasson - Editor, Post Producer
Matt Glasson is a New York City based editor and director with over twenty years in the entertainment industry. Mr. Glasson’s Cineglass Media provides post-production services for independent films and documentaries – including THE LAST SERMON.
Avi Levi – Director of Photography
Avi Levi is one of Israel’s top DPs. Mr. Levi has shot a number of award-winning documentaries, including “The Dybbuk“ and “Winding“ as well as a video art installation at the Venice Biennale entitled “The Workshop.“
Amy McKnight – Original Music
Amy McKnight is an Australian Musician and Composer who lives and gigs in Jerusalem. Ms. McKnight’s Israeli Band ShipYard accompanies her on her new album: The Captain. Her original musical score enhances and undergirds the storytelling of THE LAST SERMON.
Reiko Napier – Impact Producer
Reiko Napier is a content producer with experience in various areas of production: experiential, new media, TV and film. Ms. Napier’s entertainment industry acumen gives her a deep understanding of audiences and the tools needed to reach and motivate them.
Will Keenan – Presenter
Will Keenan is the former president of Endemol Beyond USA, a production and distribution multi-platform global network, established to create high-end productions to be distributed across multiple digital platforms, including YouTube, Yahoo, AOL, MSN and Dailymotion. Mr. Keenan is also the founder of streaming startup, Streamup.
Fran Strauss-Baxter – Executive Producer
Fran Strauss-Baxter is an award-winning art director, designer, project manager in publishing and documentary film producer from NYC. She is experienced in all phases of media, publishing and independent film. Fran is the advertising designer for THE LAST SERMON including this website, MIKE'S PLACE graphic novel website, DIARY OF THE CANNES FILM FESTIVAL website and other print and film websites and promotional materials.
