He was one of the greatest geniuses that ever lived; a teacher, a scholar, a mathematician - he had a brilliant mind…and yet he slept on a park bench, had no real home, travelled the world, looked like a bum and ate like a slob. No one knows his real name; he is only known as Mr. Shoshani. He was an eternal nomad, a mad genius, who attracted disciples such as Nobel Prize winner Elie Wiesel and renowned philosopher Emmanuel Levinas. He was fluent in 30 languages, knew philosophy, physics, economics, biology and other disciplines. With no family or friends, wandering homeless in shabby clothes, taking on multiple names and identities, he acquired a mythological status – some claim he was merely a legendary figure. How did he acquire his extensive knowledge? What is the source of the great wealth left after his death? What was his world view? Why was his secret? Mr. Shoshani is one of the unsolved riddles and one of the ten most mysterious men ever. This is his story.


The Shoshani Riddle

Israel 2024 | 88’ | Feature documentary - New Release

Filming countries: France, USA, Uruguay, Italy, Israel, Switzerland
Written & Directed by: Michael Grynszpan
Produced by: Michael Grynspan, New Vision Productions
Cinematography: Philippe Bellaiche
Editing: Roy Ben Ami
Animation: David Walz
Cast: Elie Wiesel, Adin Steinsaltz, Serge Klarsfeld
Sound Design: Michael Goorevich
Music: Daniel Markovitch
Supported by: Kan 11, The Second Israeli Authority for Television & Radio, Gesher Film Foundation - Avi Chai Foundation, The Yehoshua Rabinovich Foundation for the Arts, Matanel Foundation
Languages: Hebrew, English, French, with English subtitles

DVD to be released

Synopsis


He was one of the greatest geniuses that ever lived; a teacher, a scholar, a mathematician - he had a brilliant mind…and yet he slept on a park bench, had no real home, travelled the world, looked like a bum and ate like a slob. No one knows his real name; he is only known as Mr. Shoshani. He was an eternal nomad, a mad genius, who attracted disciples such as Nobel Prize winner Elie Wiesel and renowned philosopher Emmanuel Levinas. He was fluent in 30 languages, knew philosophy, physics, economics, biology and other disciplines. With no family or friends, wandering homeless in shabby clothes, taking on multiple names and identities, he acquired a mythological status...

Awards

  • Winner of the Best documentary Award, Israel Film Critics Union

Festivals

  • Haifa International Film Festival, Israel 2023 – Documentary Film Competition
  • Berlinale EFM 2024 – Market Premiere

Additional info

Gallery

Festivals

  • Haifa International Film Festival, Israel 2023 – Documentary Film Competition
  • Berlinale EFM 2024 – Market Premiere

Awards

  • Winner of the Best documentary Award, Israel Film Critics Union