HEAVEN HELP HIM

Ethan Bloom

Our heartfelt indie film.

★ Now in theaters29 weeks & counting
Joshua
Malina
Rachelle
Lefevre
Carlos
Ponce
Mindy
Sterling
Caroline
Valencia
and introducingHank
Greenspan
Director’s Choice AwardBest Feature · ComedySedona International Film Festival 2026
Ethan Bloom theatrical poster: Ethan in a white robe and tallit, holding a rosary and a Star of David, surrounded by the cast against sky-blue sunburst rays
Festivals & awards

An award-winning run

From its world premiere at the Miami Film Festival to a Best Feature win in Sedona and a theatrical run that keeps getting extended, audiences across the country are finding Ethan.

29Weeks & counting in theaters
40Festival selections
15Awards & kudos
“Paints a raw and authentic portrait of adolescence.”
The Austin Chronicle
“A simple story, big heart, and a lasting impression.”
True View Reviews
“5 stars for tweens and teens to Grandma and Grandpa.”
ACED Magazine

Official selections

7 opening nights · 4 closing nights · 2 jury awards
  • World Premiere · Gala FilmMiami Film FestivalMiami, FL · 2025
  • Directors’ Choice Award · Best Feature, ComedySedona International Film FestivalSedona, AZ · 2026
  • Special Jury AwardOrlando Film FestivalOrlando, FL · 2025
  • Opening Night FilmSun & Stars International Film FestivalWest Palm Beach, FL · 2026
  • Opening Night FilmCincinnati Jewish & Israeli Film FestivalCincinnati, OH · 2026
  • Opening Night FilmPalm Springs Jewish Film FestivalPalm Springs, CA · 2026
  • Opening Night FilmJFilm Pittsburgh Jewish Film FestivalPittsburgh, PA · 2026
  • Opening Night FilmDayton Jewish International Film FestivalDayton, OH · 2026
  • Opening Night FilmCentral Massachusetts International Jewish Film FestivalWorcester, MA · 2026
  • Opening Night FilmJewish Nevada International Film FestivalLas Vegas, NV · 2027
  • Closing Night FilmSan Diego Jewish Film FestivalSan Diego, CA · 2026
  • Closing Night FilmKey Biscayne Film FestivalKey Biscayne, FL · 2026
  • Closing Night FilmCharlotte Jewish Film FestivalCharlotte, NC · 2026
  • Closing Night FilmBoston Jewish Film FestivalBoston, MA · 2026
  • Film of the MonthAustin Jewish Film FestivalAustin, TX · 2026
  • Official SelectionAustin Film FestivalAustin, TX · 2025
  • Official SelectionSanta Barbara Jewish Film FestivalSanta Barbara, CA · 2025
  • Official SelectionBoca Raton Jewish Film FestivalBoca Raton, FL · 2026
  • Official SelectionNew Jersey Jewish Film FestivalWest Orange, NJ · 2026
  • Official SelectionEast Bay International Jewish Film FestivalEast Bay, CA · 2026
  • Official SelectionSt. Louis Jewish Film FestivalSt. Louis, MO · 2026
  • Official SelectionNew Hampshire Jewish Film FestivalNew Hampshire · 2026
  • Official SelectionRehoboth Beach Jewish Film FestivalLewes, DE · 2026
  • Official SelectionJCC Rockland International Jewish Film FestivalWest Nyack, NY · 2026
  • Official SelectionWilmington Jewish Film FestivalWilmington, DE · 2026
  • Official SelectionLenore Marwil Detroit Jewish Film FestivalWest Bloomfield, MI · 2026
  • Official SelectionMichiana Jewish Film FestivalSouth Bend, IN · 2026
  • Official SelectionPrescott Film FestivalPrescott, AZ · 2026
  • Official SelectionVermont Jewish Film FestivalStowe, VT · 2026
  • Official SelectionNashville Jewish Film FestivalNashville, TN · 2026
  • Official SelectionJewish Film Festival of DallasDallas, TX · 2026
  • Official SelectionCleveland Jewish Film FestivalCleveland, OH · 2026
  • Official SelectionJewish International Film FestivalAustralia · 2026
  • Official SelectionSilicon Valley Jewish Film FestivalSilicon Valley, CA · 2026
  • Official SelectionOrange County Jewish Film FestivalOrange County, CA · 2026
  • Official SelectionCherry Hill Jewish Film FestivalCherry Hill, NJ · 2026
  • Official SelectionSidney R. Hoffman Film FestivalMarco Island, FL · 2026
  • Official SelectionVirginia Peninsula Jewish Film FestivalWilliamsburg, VA · 2026
  • Official SelectionPalm Beach Jewish Film FestivalPalm Beach, FL · 2027
  • Official SelectionFresno Jewish Film FestivalFresno, CA · 2027
Official trailer

Meet Ethan.

A heartfelt indie dramedy Distributed by Menemsha Films
In theaters now

Upcoming Screenings

Premieres, festival dates and theatrical runs, many with cast and filmmaker Q&As.

    Ethan, in a tallit and kippah, stands at the bimah in front of stained-glass windows
    The story
    After losing his mother, thirteen-year-old Ethan finds solace in the Catholic church, a refuge that feels like home, even though he was born into a Jewish family. When his father insists on a bar mitzvah and Ethan’s secret unravels at his girlfriend’s confirmation party, the young seeker must confront the lies he’s told and the grief he’s been running from. Through the wisdom of an unconventional rabbi, the love of his complicated family, and his first romance with a cowboy-boot-wearing girl who can put him in a headlock, Ethan discovers that faith isn’t about choosing sides. It’s about honoring all the messy, beautiful pieces of who we are.

    Directed by Herschel Faber · Written by Maylen Dominguez
    Set in Miami’s Coconut Grove · Distributed in North America by Menemsha Films

    What it’s about

    Four things Ethan learns

    Still from Ethan Bloom

    The Essence of Faith

    Faith is a guiding light in Ethan’s journey, offering solace and strength amidst life’s trials and tribulations. It is a core theme.

    Still from Ethan Bloom

    The Bonds of Family

    Family provides Ethan with unwavering support and love, shaping his values and influencing his decisions throughout the film’s narrative.

    Still from Ethan Bloom

    Navigating Loss and Grief

    The film explores the profound impact of loss on Ethan’s life, highlighting his resilience and ability to find hope amidst sorrow.

    Still from Ethan Bloom

    The Sweetness of First Love

    First love blossoms in Ethan’s life, bringing joy and challenges as he navigates the complexities of relationships and self-discovery.

    Meet the cast

    The Bloomfields & company

    Discover the talented actors who brought the characters of Ethan Bloom to life.

    Joshua Malinaas Gary Bloomfield

    Joshua Malina

    Joshua Malina is a celebrated actor known for his iconic roles in “The West Wing” and “Scandal.” His extensive television credits include “The Big Bang Theory,” “Sports Night,” “Inventing Anna,” and “American Horror Story.” On stage, he’s appeared on Broadway in “Leopoldstadt” and “A Few Good Men,” and in films including “The American President” and “A Few Good Men.”

    Rachelle Lefevreas Rabbi Dani

    Rachelle Lefevre

    Rachelle Lefevre rose to fame playing the villainous vampire Victoria in the Twilight film saga and starred as Julia Shumway in CBS’s hit series “Under the Dome.” In “Ethan Bloom,” she plays Rabbi Dani, an intelligent and soulful spiritual mentor with a disarmingly goofy side. She’s worked alongside prestigious actors including Paul Giamatti, Channing Tatum, and John Cusack throughout her 25+ year career.

    Carlos Ponceas Father Diaz

    Carlos Ponce

    Carlos Ponce is a multi-award-winning actor, singer, and songwriter from Puerto Rico who achieved Double Platinum status with his 1998 debut album. He’s showcased his versatility in projects ranging from “Murder Mystery 2” with Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston to “Julie & The Phantoms” and “Couples Retreat.” He holds a Guinness World Record for voicing every character in the Spanish-language Harry Potter Audible saga on Amazon Prime.

    Mindy Sterlingas Elaine Bloomfield

    Mindy Sterling

    Mindy Sterling is best known for her iconic portrayal of Frau Farbissina, Dr. Evil’s German henchwoman, in all three Austin Powers films. She’s a two-time Emmy nominee (2017) for Best Actress in Short Form Comedy or Drama for her work on “Con Man” and “Secs and Execs.” Her extensive voice-over career includes “Legend of Korra,” “The Great North,” “American Dad,” and “Family Guy.”

    Hank Greenspanas Ethan Bloomfield

    Hank Greenspan

    Hank Greenspan stars as the title character Ethan Bloomfield in this coming-of-age comedy marking his first film role. He’s best known for playing Grover on CBS’s primetime sitcom “The Neighborhood” for eight seasons alongside Cedric the Entertainer, Max Greenfield, and Beth Behrs. He also had a recurring role on Netflix’s “13 Reasons Why” as the young version of Justin Foley.

    Caroline Valenciaas Camille Garcia

    Caroline Valencia

    Caroline Valencia is best known for her role as Young Mabel (young Selena Gomez) in season 2 of the hit Hulu series “Only Murders in the Building.” She landed her first lead role as Elena in the award-winning film “Land of Gold” which premiered at Tribeca Film Festival 2022. She can also be seen in Disney’s “The Slumber Party” and as a guest star on “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place.”

    Behind the camera

    Filmmaking Team

    Herschel Faber
    Director & Producer

    Herschel Faber

    Herschel wrote, directed, and produced Cavemen, a feature-length romantic comedy starring Skylar Astin (Pitch Perfect), Camilla Belle, Chad Michael Murray, and Jason Patric, which was released theatrically by Well Go USA in partnership with Warner Brothers. As a screenwriter, he wrote the cult hit Mac and Devin Go to High School starring Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa, and has placed in the semi-finals of the prestigious Nicholl Fellowship and Austin Film Festival.

    Maylen Dominguez
    Writer & Producer

    Maylen Dominguez

    Maylen previously worked in development with Minnie Driver at Two Drivers Productions and helped produce content for Latin American television and films at Galan Entertainment, including The ALMA Awards, Los Beltran, and Padre Alberto. As a screenwriter, she won the prestigious Zaki Gordon Award for Screenwriting and an NBC/Universal award for TV writing.

    Darmon Moore
    Director of Photography

    Darmon Moore

    Darmon began his cinematography career in Australia, shooting commercials for major brands like Visa, Emirates, Oreo, and BMX across Australia and Dubai before joining the Australian Cinematographers Society. After relocating to Los Angeles and then Florida, he shot music videos, award-winning short films, the Netflix series The Ultimatum, and the feature film Ethan Bloom.

    Robert Schafer
    Editor

    Robert Schafer

    Robert began his career at American Zoetrope editing featurettes for Francis Ford Coppola films and working for industry legends like Coppola and Walter Murch. As senior editor at Zoetrope, he has edited feature films including Coppola’s Megalopolis, Roman Coppola’s A Glimpse Inside the Mind of Charles Swan III, and Herschel Faber’s award-winning Cavemen.

    Joseph Fogel
    Producer

    Joseph Fogel

    Joseph Fogel is a graduate of the University of Chicago and UC Hastings College of Law with extensive experience in independent film and entertainment law, having produced Cavemen and Ethan Bloom. He has been actively involved with “The Filmmakers Alliance” and possesses a deep understanding of copyright law and entertainment representation.

    Jody Friedman
    Producer / Music Supervisor

    Jody Friedman

    Jody brings 25 years in the entertainment business and 53 film and television credits to every film he produces. His first feature as producer, Ethan Bloom, won Best Feature (Comedy) at Sedona, screened at 26+ festivals and opened theatrically through Menemsha Films. He is Music Supervisor for ABC’s The Bachelor franchise and has worked on projects such as Won’t You Be My Neighbor? (Focus Features), Barry, Griselda and Outer Banks.

    Michael Elsner
    Producer

    Michael Elsner

    Michael Elsner brings over 25 years of entertainment industry experience to Ethan Bloom. His work has been featured in Disney’s Cinderella, Star Wars: The Mandalorian, American Idol, and ad campaigns for Audi and Verizon. With over 3,000 placements of original music across tv and film, he possesses a deep understanding of commercial viability in the entertainment marketplace.

    Behind the Scenes

    From the set

    Explore the making of Ethan Bloom with exclusive photos and stories from the set.

    Still from Ethan Bloom
    Still from Ethan Bloom
    Still from Ethan Bloom
    Still from Ethan Bloom
    Bring it to your town

    Host a Screening

    Synagogues, churches, schools, film societies and festivals have made Ethan Bloom a community event. It plays from tweens to grandparents, and it sparks the best conversations afterward.

    Send us a note through the fan form and mention “community screening,” or book through our distributor.

    Book with Menemsha Films
    Become a fan

    Join the Bloomfields

    We’re thrilled you’re interested in Ethan Bloom! Sign up for updates by email. We look forward to sharing the journey of this heartfelt indie dramedy with you.

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