Spain / Portugal / Israel / Latin America • Feature Film Series • Non-fiction
This documentary series will explore the lives and experiences of descendants of the Jews expelled from the Iberian Peninsula, who were forced to become Christians between the 15th and 17th centuries.
CRYPTO-DESCENDANTS REVEALED
TEASER
CRYPTO-DESCENDANTS REVEALED,
a documentary series
Crypto-descendants Revealed is a mini series of 6 episodes of approximately 45 min, where the varied practices of Jewish descendants of the Iberian Peninsula are explored and revealed.
The work identifies what now brings people closer to the truth about their origins, or pushes them further from the facts of their family stories.
The film surveys genealogy, culinary practices, superstitions, cultural folkways, Inquisitorial records, and institutional barriers.
North America, South America, Europe, Israel, Turkey, and North Africa are all links in the journey. Here, safe haven was provided at certain key times, to the persecuted Jewish minority of the Iberian Peninsula, when the Convivencia of Al-Andalus ended.
DIANA LINDARTE
Filmmaker & Social Media Analyst
Founder of LindartPR - Social Media Marketing with a Neurodiversity Approach
Diana Lindarte, a Colombian filmmaker and graduate of UNILA (Universidade Federal da Integração Latino-Americana) in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, is a dynamic professional specializing in the intersection of film and technology, within the context of cultural heritage. Diana's diverse studies include theater and dramaturgy in Buenos Aires, Argentina, at ARGENTORES (Argentine Association of Authors), and acting & directing in film at the INCINE Institute in Quito, Ecuador. Her knowledge of the Feldenkrais method as well as modern social media approaches enhances her management of artists and creative enterprises.
The documentary series, "Crypto-descendants Revealed," directed by Diana Lindarte, weaves a journey across Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil, delving into the hidden legacy of crypto-Jews amid regional turmoil. Descendants confront their obscured past to reclaim a heritage deeply intertwined with the essence of Latin America. "Crypto-descendants Revealed" ventures deep into the heart of the Americas, with a narrative that bridges centuries-old secrets with contemporary yearnings for identity, amidst the backdrop of geopolitical upheaval. This documentary series brings to light the enduring legacy of the crypto-Jews, descendants of those forced into hiding their cultural practices by the Spanish Inquisition, and now grappling with the profound revelations of their hidden heritage in places like Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil.
Diana Lindarte's cultural explorations delve into the rich tapestries of Jewish heritage and communities with Sephardic ancestry. She studied advanced Ladino language and introductory Yiddish with the Oxford School of Rare Languages.
MITCHELL HARRISON
Leader of Rocking Simchas, Mitchell began performing as a teenager in Long Beach on tuba and bass guitar. He earned a Bachelor's degree in biology, and studied in Doctor of Optometry and Environmental Science Ph.D. programs, but maintains eclectic interests, including history, politics, and geography. Working in ophthalmology and renewable biodiesel energy, Mitchell performed clinical research and special testing and photography for retina specialists, like fluorescein angiography. Mitchell plays with several different bands, each musically their own cutting-edge styles: Moshiach Oi!, Blanket Statementstein, Mr. Shabbos Show, and White Shabbos.
During the last few years, Mitchell has found, in film production and photography, a passion that has allowed him to channel his broad knowledge about Jewish cultural and artistic life, and bring it to the screen. Besides recordings and numerous music videos, Mitchell has been involved and featured in the documentaries Punk Jews and Tikkun Olam, and continues to explore his identity in the New York City Jewish art scene.
This exploration includes his own unique family background research, discovering a pre-Holocaust genealogy that traces to places like Michalishka, Belarus and Bialystok, Poland.
Mitchell keeps up to date with EdX, Coursera and Google Skillshop, just recently completing Berklee’s course “Copyright Law in the Music Business”. Mitchell continues reinventing himself, using machine learning to utilize the great new tools of advanced artificial intelligence. He also continues to add to a growing body of created documentary and musical content on the Harrison sings Morrison YouTube channel.
CONTRIBUTE TO THE CAMPAIGN
You can support our important work and help to complete the film project, with any donation that matches your budget.
We gladly accept contributions through the PayPal platform.
1. Contribute with USD $50 or more - Get an exclusive link to the online screening.
2. Contribute with USD $500 or more - Invitation to exclusive film exhibition + premiere party.
OTHER WAYS TO HELP
SHARE THE CAMPAIGN
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Help the CDRFILM crew by supporting the documentary series Crypto-descendants Revealed.
This documentary series will explore the life and experience of descendants of Jews expelled from the Iberian Peninsula who had to become Christians during the 15th to the 17th centuries.
Let's collaborate on this project!
If you want to contribute with your family story, write to us, and have chance to be a part of the documentary.
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Hebrew Bible
Tempera, gold and ink on parchment with leather binding
Spanish, Castile, 1300 -1350
The Cloisters Collection, 2018 (2018.59)