Fascinating Sephardim: A Film Series
Presented in partnership with The Sephardi Federation of Palm Beach County, Inc.
Wednesdays at 1:00 pm
Discussion moderated by Rose Pappo Allen
This film series examines places in the world where wandering communities of Sephardic Jewry took root, expanding the diversity of world Jewish history and heritage. Discussion spans the broadest understanding of what constitutes Sephardic and Mizrahi culture. Each film will be preceded by a brief introduction and followed by Q&A and discussion, as time allows.
$10 per film, Gold and Gold Plus Members: $8, Platinum Members and Festival Patrons: Free; All 5 films: $40, Gold & Gold Plus Members: $30, Platinum Members and Festival Patrons: Free; SF/ADJLC Members (Sephardi Federation/Adult Jewish Learning Collaboration) attend at the Gold Member price.
December 20: From Toledo to Jerusalem, 1989
90 mins. Hebrew and Ladino with English subtitles
Engaging musical history of Sephardic Jews from their Spanish expulsion and search for new homes across Europe and the Ottomon Empire until their return to the Israeli homeland. Narrated and sung in Ladino by Yehoram Gaon and beautifully filmed throughout international locations.
January 24: Girona, The Mother of Israel: The Jews of Catalonia, 1989 and
The Secret Jews of Calabria , 2014
Girona, The Mother of Israel:
The Jews of Catalonia 1989
30 mins., English, Italian, English subtitles, Patricia Giniger Snyder
About the Jews from northeast Spain, one of the few world sites considered as Jewish spiritual resting places and the home of Nahmanides, a Kabbalah scholar.
The Secret Jews of Calabria, 2014
46 mins., English, Italian, English subtitles, Manuela Jael Procaccia
Rabbi Barbara Aiello, an American of Italian descent returns to her ancestral village in Calabria. She shares the incredible journey and little-know history of the Jews of southern Italy. This story begins at the time of the Macabees, continues through the horrors of the Inquisition, and arrives at modern times when Calabrians begin to discover and embrace their Jewish roots.
March 27: Rhodes Forever, 2003
60 mins., Ladino, French, Italian, Greek, English subtitles, Diane Perelsztejn
A 500 year history of Juderiya on the Island of Rhodes, Greece. Gorgeous photography and incredible story of how part of the community was transplanted into the Belgian Congo during Italian occupation.
April 17: The Last Jews of Libya, 2007
50 mins., Arabic, Italian, Hebrew, English subtitles, Vivienne Roumani-Denn
Narrated by Isabella Rossellini, this film tells the compelling story of this North African Jewish community from Ottoman rule to Italian colonization and 20th Century displacement. Written by Vivienne Roumani-Denn based on the memoirs of Elise Tamman Roumani.
May 22: The Key From Spain: Songs and Stories of Flory Jagoda, 2000
40 mins., English and Ladino, Ankica Petrovic and Mischa Livingstone
Uplifting account of survival and continuation from renowned Ladino singer and her Bosnian heritage.
Judy Levis Krug Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival and Billi & Bernie Marcus Year-Round Film Programs
Boca Raton’s Original Jewish Film Festival
Save the Dates for our 2024 Festival
February 10 - March 4, 2024
Our multi-access festival proudly presents a variety of films both virtually and in-person at local theaters and the Levis JCC. Each year, we present an incredible roster of thought-provoking and entertaining documentaries and short and feature length Jewish-themed films from around the globe, ranging from laugh-out-loud comedies and love stories, to political and historical dramas and more. Plus, theater-goers enjoy special guest appearances, discussions, panels, special events, and year-round Jewish-themed film programming.
For more information or to inquire about sponsorship and underwriting opportunities, contact Lisa Barash, Festival Manager, at lisab@levisjcc.org or 561-852-3237.
Learn more about our Festival »