RIFF review: "CowJews and Indians: How Hitler Scared My Family—And I Woke Up in an Iroquois Longhouse with a Picture of Jesus, Reminding Me—For the Wrong Reason—That I Owe the Mohawks Rent" (**)

Marc Halberstadt and Nathan Blindman appear in "CowJews and Indians"

“CowJews and Indians," as its massive title might suggest, is interesting in concept but somewhat dull in execution. We follow Marc Halberstadt, the film’s director, from the very start as he seeks restitution from the German government for land that was taken away from his Jewish ancestors during the war. Through research and realization, Halberstadt considers the hypocrisy surrounding his situation, due to the fact that the home in which he grew up was located on Native American land. From here, he assembles a small team of local Native American leaders and heads to Germany. His proposal is to have the Germans pay the Indians directly, thus cutting out the middleman.

What to see at the 2013 Rome International Film Festival

By this time next week, the 10th annual Rome International Film Festival will be underway in Northwest Georgia's signature city. If you will remember, last year's festival offered us several great films and shorts, from Haiti water documentary "La Source" and Danny Darst biography "American Songwriter" to strong narratives like "Born & Raised" and "Heathens and Thieves."

This year, nonfiction takes the spotlight again, with several prime spots in the lineup—including both opening and closing night films—belonging to documentaries. In preparation for next week's festivities, we've highlighted nine films and two shorts you might already recognize from Georgia's film festival circuit. Events kick off next Thursday evening, September 5th at 7PM and wrap up late on Saturday, September 7th. Check out our guide after the jump!