Torah Tropical
Synopsis
This insightful documentary follows an Orthodox Jewish family’s difficult quest to leave Colombia, a country where Jews are rare, and immigrate to Israel to make aliyah. Menajem, a baker, and his wife Isska converted to Judaism as adults and raised their young daughters, Ruth and Jaia, within Beit David, a tight-knit community of Orthodox Jewish converts based in the El Guabal neighborhood of Cali. As they dream of fleeing local gang violence and homicides, they also prepare for a new set of challenges as their journey to Israel draws nearer. The family plans to hide their religious identity to enter the country as tourists, but their endeavor culminates in a shocking result.
Featuring stunning visuals of a mikvah ceremony and unexpected moments of humor, this documentary takes viewers inside one family’s harrowing life path. Powerful voiceover narration includes intimate recordings of Isska’s personal prayers. Ultimately, this immigration story is about personal growth and spiritual resilience.
(Credit Thaïs Miller, San Francisco Jewish Film Festival)
Credits
Director(s)
Jimmy Ferguson, Ezra Axelrod, Gloria Nancy Monsalve
Producer(s)
David Restrepo, Ezra Axelrod, Heidi Paster
Executive Producer(s)
Heidi Paster, David Restrepo
Script
Ezra Axelrod, Gloria Nancy Monsalve, Jimmy Ferguson
Cinematography
Jimmy Ferguson
Editor
Etienne Boussac
Original Music
Ezra Axelrod
Cast
Isska Dvash, Menajem Aguirre, Ruth Simjha Aguirre, Jaia Aguirre
Original Language
Spanish
Subtitles
English, Spanish
Sound Design
Juan Felipe Rayo
Festival Highlights
San Francisco Jewish Film Festival, USA, Official Selection, 2024
