“Polymaths have always been a curiosity to society at large. What is it, exactly, that makes these people so different? Is their intellect a burden or a gift? Are they satisfied? Are they happy? In JACOB, Jon Stahl attempts to answer many of these questions with regard to Jacob F. Appel - a doctor, lawyer, bioethicist, author, poet, professor, and tour guide, who seems to have lived several lives concurrently. Approaching the man both through direct interviews and the testimonies of his friends, Stahl considers Appel through an emotional lens, rather than an intellectual one.
The most striking thing might not be the reams of published material in Appel’s name, but rather the rejection letters that adorn his home – 21,000 by his count. Even someone so precocious and learned must endure a constant stream of refusal. This revelation is part of Stahl’s mission – to humanize the gifted. That sounds bizarre, but contextualizing that even geniuses can fail, and do exist beyond their incredible, evident successes, is to better understand them. It is that which Stahl is most interested in doing – and he undoubtedly succeeds.”
—Milo Garner
Raindance Film Festival
Find out more about Jacob’s work at www.jacobmappel.com
JACOB is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
https://www.amazon.com/Jacob-M-Appel/dp/B07Z9S7ZFH/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=jacob&qid=1578952246&s=instant-video&sr=1-1
Urban Ed
Written and directed by Wade Wofford
Produced by Jon Stahl, Nerissa Williams Scott, Wade Wofford and Ramfis Myrthil
URBAN ED - Available to stream on Amazon Prime Video Prime Video: Urban Ed.
Bigger Than You
written & directed by Jon Stahl
A girl who thinks she's the biggest person in the world learns to finally accept herself for what she is. Small. 3 Time Winner! Reel 13 Short Film Contest, Official Selection 2012 Kidsfilmfest, 2012 LA Shorts Festival.
Watch through the end of the credits for the finale!
Teechers
created by Jon Stahl
A web series about some seriously not-serious teachers.
Seriously.
Best Comedy, 2012 Super Shorts Fest, London, England