British filmmaker and photographer Jess Kohl presents a joyful romp through one of London’s hottest new club nights—a Jewish-led LGBTQ+ space that joins queer youth culture and spirituality. “Religion and sexuality are worlds that, by nature, rarely meet,” the London-based director explains. “Buttmitzvah is a reaction to this separation. It’s about coming out as Jewish.”
The film follows three young men—Matthew, Ben, and Alex—as they prepare for the one of the popular nights, reflecting on their Jewish identities, the need for safe spaces, and their own sexuality. “As a queer Jewish filmmaker,” observes Kohl, “this is a story close to my heart. The film shows how the night uses humor and celebration to tackle cultural traditions that no longer serve younger generations of Jews.”