Doing Jewish: A Story From Ghana

Doing Jewish: A Story From Ghana is a groundbreaking and captivating documentary directed by Gabrielle Zilkha. This 2016 documentary provides a look into a community that is at the crossroads of identity, religion, and culture.

The movie takes place in Ghana and follows a community of individuals in a remote and small West African town called Sefwi Wiawso. This community has been practicing Judaic customs for generations but it is only recently that they discovered their practices and beliefs echoed that of Judaism. With little to no contact with modern Jewish communities and isolated by their geographical location and lack of internet, what they practiced was found to be remarkably similar to Judaism, even though they referred to themselves as Messianic Jews.

The documentary begins when Zilkha volunteers for a year in Southeast Ghana and stumbles upon the community practicing Judaism. Intrigued by this discovery, she sets off on a personal quest to understand more about these people and their practices. Enthralled by the discovery, Gabrielle records the fascinating journey of the community’s self-exploration of their Jewish identity from their humble beginnings to their connection with modern Jewish communities from across the globe.

The narrative follows the people of Sefwi Wiawso as they doggedly pursue knowledge about their potential Jewish roots and heritage. They fervently adopt religious practices, rituals steeped in ancient Jewish tradition, shunning pork, and observing the Sabbath. More importantly, they seek recognition from global Jewish communities, vying to be perceived as authentic Jews.

The strength of Doing Jewish: A Story From Ghana lies in its empathetic and raw portrayal of the individuals and community. The movie avoids romanticizing their journey while highlighting their resolve to assert their identity. The viewers are given a compelling insight into the community's efforts to balance their ancient African customs with newfound Jewish traditions.

The members of the Sefwi Wiawso community are striving to reconcile the tensions between their traditional African heritage, religious belief, and the assertive adoption of a separate identity. Essentially, they want to celebrate their heritage, retain their roots, while embracing a Jewish identity that they believe they've always belonged to.

Through Zilkha’s lens, we see the broader implications of this search for identity and how it impacts the individuals and the community at large. This journey challenges their faith, persistence, sense of community and their aspirations for acknowledgment from mainstream Judaism.

It also engagingly encapsulates cross-cultural exchanges, not just in religious practices, but in values, societal norms, and day-to-day living. This provides for fascinating viewing as we witness the cultural integration of the community members with Jews from around the globe. The director also subtly lowlights Western perspectives that are often carried along with missionary work and knowledge dissemination.

Doing Jewish: A Story From Ghana goes beyond documenting a religious journey. It paints a symbolic portrait of the quest for identity, proving that discovering oneself often takes more than associative recognition from other groups. It emphasizes the hear-rending truth that being true to one's culture, roots, and individual identity often means overcoming major obstacles and facing extensive doubt from others.

The documentary is expertly shot, and Zilkha’s heritage as a fifth-generation Canadian Jew lends authenticity and passion to the project. The film is notable for its vibrant cinematography that beautifully captures the life and spirit of the Sefwi Wiawso community, the bustle of their markets, the vibrancy of religious observances, and the individual faces marked by perseverance, curiosity, and dedication.

In conclusion, Doing Jewish: A Story From Ghana is an extraordinary documentary that invites its viewers to embark on a journey of discovery and awakening. The film elegantly explores the often complex and tangled web of religious identity, acceptance and the indomitable spirit to belong. It manages to bridge disparate worlds, and in doing so, prompts viewers to reflect on the nature of faith, community, and personal identity. Its effective storytelling, vibrant characters, and deep respect for its subjects make it a must-watch for those who appreciate documentaries with substance and heart.