|
In the course of communicating with filmmakers from around
the world, many of them are surprised to hear that we have
a Jewish film festival in Hong Kong (although the word is
spreading). So that got me thinking. If so many people think
that Hong Kong is off the beaten track from the Jewish perspective,
what would they think about some other places that are less
than "traditional"? With that in mind, I have put together
a series of films dealing with the challenges Jews face living
in far-flung places. All of these films show how dispersed
we really are!
Thanks
for reading Reel News and giving us the feedback to make it
better. Don't forget, if you like what you read, please let
us know and forward Reel News to your friends so they will
know too!
| Moving Heaven and Earth |
 |
In 1919, following the guidance of their leader, a
local
governor named Semei Kakungulu, the Ugandan
Abayudaya adopted all the observances of Judaism
including circumcision at birth. In the 1970s, even in
the face of rampant anti-Semitism under the reign of
Idi Amin exemplified by torture and murder, many of
the tribe held fast to Jewish practice and beliefs. In
the 1980s with the help of the outside Jewish
community from Israel and the United States, a
number of small synagogues were built and a Torah
donated. Today the Abayudaya keep kosher
according to Talmudic Law, attend to the Jewish
calendar of holidays and study the week's parshah.
At the beginning of February of 2002, a Beit Din
made
up of three rabbis from the United States and one
from Israel went to this community in Uganda. There,
over a period of six days, they converted over 300
Abayudaya, welcoming them into the community of
world Jewry. An inspiring documentary on the
complicated nature of Jewish identity.
|
| Haymishe Viking |
|
Can traditional Jewish cuisine ever claim its place
within the world of haute cuisine? Does it need a
modern day Viking to take it there? When Danish
born
non-Jewish chef Henrik Iversen becomes head chef
at the Jerusalem Hyatt, he champions the rustic
delights of chopped liver, matzo ball soup and
cholent
but with his own "haymishe" twist!
Filmmaker Lesley Sharon Rosenthal will be in
attendance at the Festival.
|
| Ma Nishtana Ha-yom Ha-zeh? |
|
Why is this day different? A group of Americans find
themselves in New Zealand on the first night of
Passover. So in Christchurch, they begin a search for
matzos.
|
|
The
5th Annual Hong Kong Jewish Film Festival - November
20 - 28.
Tickets
go on sale starting November 1st.
|
|
|
Eight
Candles
(Ocho
Candelas) |
|
|
|
In the 16th Century, Spanish Jews arrived in Mexico
trying to escape Spanish inquisition. In 1984, several
families from the port of Veracruz began to
investigate their origins and they discovered
themselves to be descendants of these original
immigrants. Thus began the fascinating adventures of
the community of Beth Shmuel, a congregation of
Jewish converts that has been fighting with the
religious establishment in Mexico for its acceptance.
EIGHT CANDLES recounts the history of eight of
these families.
Filmmaker Sandro Halphen will be in attendance
at the Festival.
Check
out the official website... |
|
