New Film Series Project
While still working on the CD, Irene realized that it is not enough to show the listeners the unique music of Israelite and Jewish communities of Asia and Africa. The history, traditions and way of life of those people is just as unique as their music. To tell the fascinated story of these groups, Irene decided to make a series of documentary films. In the films, Irene will tell you about clandestine synagogues in Ethiopia, about the persecutions with which the Bnei Ephraim of India have to deal in their life being "untouchable" and the drum that became the symbol of their freedom and identity, about Omenana, the equivalent of the archaic form of Judaism, practiced by the Igbos of Nigeria, about the smallest African Jewish community in Kenya, living in the middle of the savanna and fighting with hippos that come to destroy their fields, and much more . Though the series will not solely concentrate on music, the music and dance of the Israelites and Jews of Africa and Asia will be the primary focus of the film. While wondering around the world, the Israelites of Africa and Asia were accumulating different music styles, thus creating something totally new and extraordinary. Irene has started her filming odyssey with the first film in the series "BalEj: the Hidden Jews of Ethiopia" in March of 2014.
Irene does not have any sponsors or funds to produce the film series. Help Irene to reveal the Jewish and Israelite Africa and Asia to the world by donation.