Director Alison Chernick discusses Itzhak

October 12, 2018

A Special Projects Documentary Series Screening

The life of acclaimed violinist Itzhak Perlman is examined in Director Alison Chernick’s documentary, Itzhak. The film reveals how Perlman went from the polio survivor whose parents emigrated from Poland to Israel, and the young man who struggled to be taken seriously as a music student when schools saw only his disability, to the world-renowned and cherished virtuoso he is today.

Following the DGA Special Projects Documentary Series screening in Los Angeles on October 11, Chernick sat down with Director Robert B. Weide (Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time) to discuss the making of Itzhak, which premiered at the 2017 Hamptons International Film Festival and won Jury Prizes at the 2018 Atlanta Jewish Film Festival and 2018 Miami Jewish Film Festival. Chernick also discussed the making of the film with Director Lee David Hirsch (Bully) following the DGA Eastern Region Special Projects Documentary Series screening in New York on November 1.

In addition to Itzhak, Chernick’s other credits include the documentary features The Jeff Koons Show and Matthew Barney: No Restraint. Currently working on her narrative feature film debut, Chernick has been a DGA member since 2016.

You can listen to Chernick's Q&A by clicking the podcast episode embedded below. You can find more DGA podcast episodes here.

Pictures

Event photos by Shane Karns (LA) & Marcie Revens (NY)- Print courtesy of Greenwich Entertainment.

View slideshow

Director Alison Chernick speaks about the making of her new documentary, Itzhak, following the DGA Special Projects Documentary Series screening in Los Angeles.

Acclaimed violinist Itzhak Perlman practices his art in Director Alison Chernick’s new documentary, Itzhak.

Director Alison Chernick speaks about the making of her new documentary, Itzhak, following the DGA Eastern Region Special Projects Documentary Series screening in New York.

Director Alison Chernick (right) speak about the making of Itzhak with Director Robert B. Weide (moderator) following the DGA Special Projects Documentary Series screening in Los Angeles.

Alan Alda and Itzhak Perlman share a meal and a laugh in an image from Director Alison Chernick’s new documentary, Itzhak.

Director Alison Chernick (left) speaks about the making of Itzhak with Director Lee David Hirsch (moderator) following the DGA Eastern Region Special Projects Documentary Series screening in NY.

Director Robert B. Weide (moderator) asks Director Alison Chernick about the making of her new documentary, Itzhak.

Itzhak Perlman conducts an orchestra in Director Alison Chernick’s new documentary, Itzhak.

Director Lee David Hirsch (moderator) asks Director Alison Chernick about the making of her new documentary, Itzhak.

A member of the DGA Los Angeles Theater audience asks Director Alison Chernick a question about her new documentary, Itzhak.

Toby and Itzhak Perlman in an image from Director Alison Chernick’s new documentary, Itzhak.

A member of the DGA New York Theater audience asks Director Alison Chernick a question about her new documentary, Itzhak.

Director Robert B. Weide (moderator) and Director Alison Chernick pose for a photo following the Los Angeles Special Projects Documentary Series screening of Chernick’s new documentary, Itzhak.

Acclaimed violinist Itzhak Perlman and President Barack Obama in an image from Director Alison Chernick’s new documentary, Itzhak.

Director Alison Chernick and Director Lee David Hirsch (moderator) pose for a photo following the New York Eastern Region Special Projects Documentary Series screening of Chernick’s new documentary, Itzhak.

Director Lynne Littman chats with Director Alison Chernick following the Los Angeles Special Projects Documentary Series screening of Chernick’s new documentary, Itzhak.

Calendar

8/2/2025 - 8/8/2025