Torah Tropical

Co-Director Ezra Axelrod, Producer Gene Goldstein-Plesser, and Executive Producer Lester Chin expected to attend.

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. —Thaïs Miller

World Premiere