The Last Jews Of Guantanamo

There are a little over 200,000 people who live in Guantanamo, roughly 50 of whom are Jewish. In 1959 Cuba had a revolution and in the aftermath all public displays of religion were prohibited. In 1991, the Cuban government repealed its ban on religious practice, making it possible for people of all faiths to practice publicly. This film follows two octogenarians, Fortuna and Lidia, having their Bat-Mitzvah.

We observe both women and their families as their daily lives intersect with Judaism – grocery shopping, cleaning, cooking, lighting Chanukah candles and preparing for their Bat-Mitzvah. They share their feelings of trepidation and awe at the looming ceremony. All of this is set within Guantanamo as we watch horses and buggies drive by and children playing soccer in the streets.

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Documentary Shorts 7 – Homes We Carry

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