Sun., Dec. 11; following Jews of Iran at 1 pm
Southern U.S.A. Premiere
U.S.A., 2005; Isaac Artenstein, director
English; 52 minutes

Growing up Jewish in Mexico, Director Isaac Artenstein found reactions of surprise, even disbelief, from many people north of the border. They had no idea there were Jews in Mexico, especially in Tijuana—a town more known for free-flowing liquor, cheap narcotics, and beautiful senoritas than for yiddishkeit. But during the early 20th century, thousands of European Jews sailed to Mexico to escape persecution at home. A small group made their way north to the border town of Tijuana. This personal documentary shows how Jewish and Mexican cultures and customs blended together in this near-mythic border city.