'Minyan' Exclusive Clip: Eric Steel's Drama About A Russian Jewish Immigrant In The '80s Premieres In Berlin

The 2020 Berlin International Film Festival is officially underway in Europe, and as with year’s past, the event marks one of the first fests of the year and is already shaping up to be one of the best. And one of the films that are hoping to make waves at this year’s prestigious event is “Minyan.”

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With “Minyan” set to have its world premiere this weekend in Berlin, we’re proud to offer our readers an exclusive clip from the film, showcasing why the drama is poised to be a highlight of the festival. “Minyan” tells the story of a young Russian Jewish immigrant in late-‘80s Brighton Beach that is in crisis, as he attempts to come to terms with his sexuality while also trying to be an upstanding member of his community.

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The film stars Samuel H. Levine, Ron Rifkin, Christopher McCann, Mark Margolis, and Richard Topol. “Minyan” is directed by Eric Steel, who co-wrote the script alongside Daniel Pearle. Steel is probably best known as a producer on films such as “Bringing Out the Dead” and “Angela’s Ashes.” He’s previously directed two documentaries. “Minyan” marks his narrative feature debut behind the camera.

“Minyan” premieres this weekend at the Berlin International Film Festival. A more formal theatrical release has not been announced.

Here’s the synopsis:

A young Russian Jewish immigrant in Brighton Beach, caught up in the tight constraints of his community, develops a close friendship with his grandfather’s new neighbors, two elderly closeted gay men who open his imagination to the possibilities of love and the realities of loss — and explores the East Village where he finds a world teeming with the energy of youth, desire and risk. Set in the late 1980s, as AIDS hammered New York City, MINYAN is a powerful story of rebellion and self-discovery, sexual and spiritual awakening — and survival.

Click here for our full coverage of the 2020 Berlin International Film Festival.