Wed, Feb 13
05:00PM
Wed, Feb 13
05:00PM
12th new york sephardic jewish film festival
The Last Jews of Libya
USA, 2007, 75 mins, Hebrew, English, Italian, Arabic w/English subtitles
Director: Vivienne Roumani-Denn
Producer: Aryeh Bourkoff
Through the story of her own family, who moved from Benghazi to Boston when she was 12 years old, Vivienne Roumani-Denn tells the story of Libyan Jewry, an ancient Sephardic community that lived on the southern shores of the Mediterranean for hundreds of years. At the end of World War II, there were 36,000 Jews remaining in Libya. Not one remains today; they have scattered to the four corners of the earth. The film takes us back to the period of Ottoman rule, through the Fascist occupation under Mussolini and the subsequent Nazi occupation, and to the Arab nationalism that dealt the final blow to the ancient Jewish community. Rare archival segments (still photographs and film) show Libya during the 20th century, providing the special flavor that permeates this film. Isabella Rossellini’s narration makes elegant transitions between the speakers, and casts additional light on their stories.
Post-screening discussion with the director.
Ticket Info:
Individual Film Ticket: $11/$9 for Seniors and Students
Festival Pass (for 5 films of choice): $45/$40 for ASF & YUMuseum members. Reservations for specific screenings must be made at time of purchase.
Director: Vivienne Roumani-Denn
Producer: Aryeh Bourkoff
Through the story of her own family, who moved from Benghazi to Boston when she was 12 years old, Vivienne Roumani-Denn tells the story of Libyan Jewry, an ancient Sephardic community that lived on the southern shores of the Mediterranean for hundreds of years. At the end of World War II, there were 36,000 Jews remaining in Libya. Not one remains today; they have scattered to the four corners of the earth. The film takes us back to the period of Ottoman rule, through the Fascist occupation under Mussolini and the subsequent Nazi occupation, and to the Arab nationalism that dealt the final blow to the ancient Jewish community. Rare archival segments (still photographs and film) show Libya during the 20th century, providing the special flavor that permeates this film. Isabella Rossellini’s narration makes elegant transitions between the speakers, and casts additional light on their stories.
Post-screening discussion with the director.
Ticket Info:
Individual Film Ticket: $11/$9 for Seniors and Students
Festival Pass (for 5 films of choice): $45/$40 for ASF & YUMuseum members. Reservations for specific screenings must be made at time of purchase.
Presented by:
12th new york sephardic jewish film festival
