What? You’ve never heard of Moishe Schmendrick, Jesus’ fifth cousin and the so-called Thirteenth Disciple? Well, that’s not surprising since his name has been erased from biblical history.

But have no fear, the president of the Schmendrick Society, amateur historian Archibald Sneed, is out to remedy this omission by creating a live-action documentary to tell the world about this revolutionary genius who lifted the spirits of the people with his funny business and practical jokes. For example, once after Jesus’ miracle of walking on the water, Schmendrick also pulled off this feat (with the help of goat-bladder pontoons)!

In the seven-episode web series, SCHMENDRICK: THE 13th DISCIPLE, we meet advocates of Schmendrick, as well as skeptics, archeologists, and protestors.

Inspired by the incisive questioning of Philomena Cunk in “Cunk on Earth,”

and the historical elucidations of Monty Python’s “The Life of Brian,”

and the rigorous journalism of “This is Spinal Tap,”

“Schmendrick: The 13th Disciple” investigates an unknown corner of biblical lore.

What motivated me to write and produce this film? In one word: Laughter. I think it’s funny. And in today’s challenging world, what better way to rouse life and metabolize sorrow than good humor.

Another reason for bringing this story to life is that after writing more than a dozen screenplays for feature films, some of which won or were finalists in prominent international competitions but never got made, I decided that it would be satisfying and fun to create something that could actually exist as a film and be seen and enjoyed by others, and not just live in the netherworld of unfulfilled concepts.

DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT
by Peter Alzado

With a wink and a smile, we embark on a whimsical documentary with Archibald Sneed and his somewhat oddball companions as they search for proof of the long-lost existence of the thirteenth disciple, Moishe Schmendrick, the eccentric prankster and fifth cousin of Jesus. In a world that’s gone kinda’ daft, Richard Seidman’s documentary-style story – Imbued with humor and charm – invites us to dive in just for the fun of it.

In this playful search for meaning and truth, comedic though it may be, it’s possible to discover something about what it means to be alive together: our silliness, our failures and triumphs, our resilience, and the glorious mess of being human.

Directing is in large part creating the space for the actors, designers and technicians to work together in bringing the story to life. It is a moment-to-moment exploration to uncover the humanity in each scene. Together, we strive to breathe life into the writing, transcending the literal and uncovering the text’s deeper meaning.

So yes, the world may have gone kinda’ daft – but let’s look at it with a smile. Why not revel in Archibald Sneed’s malapropisms, his band of oddball companions, and the prankster behind it all, Moishe Schmendrick?