is a haunting documentary on the pains of growing up male. It explores the inner and outer cruelties that boys perpetrate and endure. The film raises gender issues and provokes the viewer to reflect on how our society can deprive boys of wholeness.

Through formative events of a boy’s life, we come to understand the ways in which men can become emotionally disconnected and alienated from their feminine side. The common dismissal that “boys will be boys” evolves into the chilling realization that boys frequently become angry, destructive and emotionally disabled men. The Smell of Burning Ants illustrates how boys are socialized by fear, power and shame.

The burning of ants is one of the metaphors for the impact that boyhood violence has on us all. Though the film focuses on the painful aspects of male socialization, it also incorporates subtle humor and moments of boyhood celebration. The Smell of Burning Ants is entertaining as well as educational and provides a unique opportunity to begin the process of healing the wounds of childhood.


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Written, directed, edited and rephotographed by Jay Rosenblatt
Original music: Erik Ian Walker (wackoworldmusic.com)
Creative consultant & sound editing: Jennifer Frame
Voice-over narration: Richard J. Silberg

“Powerfully and poetically evokes the emotional strains of modern masculinity. A provocative catalyst for classroom discussion.”
– Dr. Ed Cohen, Associate Professor, Gender & Cultural Studies, Rutgers Univ.

“A visually compelling and thought provoking portrait of the cultural and psychological transmission of male identity in young boys. With vivid and penetrating images, this film tells the story of child-hood innocence lost and of wounded masculinity found in its wake.”
– Harvey L. Schwartz, PhD., Clinical Psychologist

“…a profoundly disturbing and imaginative work.”
– Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times

“This film is an invaluable catalyst for discussion and reflection for men’s groups, therapy groups, seminars and workshops. The film goes deep under the surface of masculinity to the roots of male violence and despair.”
– Franklin Abbot, LCSW, author of New Men, New Minds: Men and Intimacy and Boyhood: Growing Up Male

Winner of 23 Awards including:


• Grand Prize, Hamburg International Film Festival
  
• Best of Festival, Ann Arbor Film Festival
  
• Best Documentary, Tampere International Short Film Festival,
  
• First Prize, Short Films, Locarno International Film Festival
  
• First Place, Film Athens International Film and Video Festival
  
• Best of the Best, Charlotte Film Festival
  
• Best Experimental Film, Melbourne International Film Festival
  
• Artistic Courage Award, Florida Film Festival
  
  Screened at the Sundance Film Festival

  Complete List of Awards & Screenings