| Brief Description: | When the Jews were expelled from Medieval Spain, the Toledo community determined to reach the city of their dreams, Jerusalem. This documentary, created by foremost Israeli performer Yehoram Gaon to explore and perpetuate his heritage, filmed against a stunning Mediterranean backdrop, follows these ‘pure Sephardic’ Jews in their wanderings.
Uniquely enhanced by narration in the beautiful, endangered Ladino language which Gaon has labored to preserve, this DVD is a milestone (recalling “The Passion,” also filmed in a language commonly spoken by Jews in the past, Aramaic). Gaon’s warm, expressive tone plus clear and easy-to-follow subtitles make the narration accessible to those of us who don’t speak Ladino.
Through words, images, and the mysterious and passionate ‘Romancero’ songs performed by Gaon—who has released numerous recordings in this genre—the film provides moving insights into Sephardic history and culture. (Mi-Toledo Le-Yerushalayim, Israel 1994, Musical documentary.) |
