About the film
This compelling look at the remnant of the Jewish community left in Morocco provides a new perspective on the current crisis of Jews in a modern Arab state and in the Middle East. Shot on location in four countries, the film vividly portrays the ongoing odyssey of a 2,000 year old community whose remarkable journey is still unfolding.
Can Jews and Arabs live together peacefully in the Middle East? Can Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jews live together peacefully in Israel? “Routes of Exile” dynamically explores these controversial topics as it carefully reconstructs the story of the Moroccan Jews—of their journey from the remoteness of antiquity to the tragic turbulence of today’s Middle East.
Combining rare archival footage, interviews with people from all walks of life, exotic celebrations, lively music and special effects, the film explores the ancient origins of the Jews of Morocco-their fascinating Berber roots, illustrious Spanish heritage and long co-existence with Arabs in a Moslem country. Routes of Exile examines the impact of colonialism on Arab-Jewish relations and follows the Moroccan exodus to Europe, the New World and Israel where Jews of Moroccan origin have waged a fierce struggle for equality in Israeli society.
Reviews
“Fascinating and compelling…exotic impressions of far-flung outposts”–Washington Post
“An intriguing exploration…the film rises with appropriate anger and conveys the bitter irony of a people being in exile in their ‘own land and everywhere else.” –Los Angeles Times
“Widely impressive among the documentaries at FILMEX. . . offers fascinating insight … the film with its painstaking detail is of interest beyond the Jewish community.” –Variety
“Well worth seeing . . . it is not only a learning experience; it is an emotional one as well.” –Los Angeles Jewish Community Bulletin
“A fine document of a little-known corner of human history.., this movie tells in the formative hard-hitting ironic tone of a first class 60 Minutes episode the story of their historic travail….the story is simply too human to put aside…” –LA Weekly
