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- Expulsion and Memory
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Descendants of the Hidden Jews
A riveting account of modern day descendants of the Jews who were forcibly converted during the Spanish Inquisition.
In 1492, with the stroke of a pen, fifteen hundred years of Jewish Life in Spain came to an abrupt end. In a Medieval example of "ethnic cleansing", the Jews of Spain were given a choice: expulsion or conversion. Half the community left, half converted.
Many of the converted, known as "Conversos" continued to practice Judaism in secret, establishing a way of life that has, remarkably survived to the present day.
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Shot on location
in Spain, Portugal, Israel, Canada and the United States,
EXPULSION & MEMORY tells the story of the "Conversos" and
the memories that still haunt their descendants.
In New Mexico, we witness a faith so strong, that it led Hispanic-Americans
to etch secret Judaic symbols into the tombstones of their
Ancestors. In Spain, an elderly woman confides that Jews are
known for their horns and tails. In today’s world, a Catholic
woman lights candles on Friday night and recites the Jewish
prayer. In Belmonte, Portugal, townspeople who have practiced
Judaism in complete secrecy for five centuries now pray openly
for the first time.
The film, characterized by an emotional and spiritual resonance
features a lyrical Sephardic/Spanish soundtrack and performances
by some of the world’s leading artists including Placido Domingo,
Zubin Mehta and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.
We were privleged to be granted one space in the press gallery
for our cameraman for the historic meeting of the President
of Israel and the King of Spain on March 31st , 1992, in the
Madrid synagogue which could only hold 300 of the world’s
dignitaries and Jewish leaders. After the President and the
King made their entrance, the President of the Synagogue extended
his arm to Producer, Lili Fournier, who was filming the procession
with her crew, and ushered her in as the doors closed behind
her. It was a considerable and great honor.
Produced against the greatest challenges, this film was to
represent the beauty and the triumph of the Jewish Spirit
and be a homage to the "Sephardim" who kept their faith against
incredible odds.
Produced with Associated Producers.
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