Awards

Ariel Awards, Mexico 1996
Best Feature-Length Documentary Nomination

San Francisco International Film Festival 1995
Golden Gate Award

America Film Festival, Innsbruck 1995
Prize of the Austrian Public

Worldfest Houston 1995
Gold Award

When quotas stemmed the flow of immigrants to the United States in the 1920s, Jews seeking respite were warmly welcomed by Mexico. While remaining attached to their roots, this diverse group— hailing from Eastern Europe, Turkey, and Arabic-speaking lands— embraced their new home’s vibrant colors, foods, language, and beauty.

A Kiss to This Land presents an oral history of seven fascinating individuals who arrived at Mexico’s shores in the early 20th century. Among them was a socialist idealist, a bride, and a Yiddish entertainer. In often poetic language, they talk about their unlikely decision to journey to an unknown destination and how they came to love that place, gradually building family and community while moving from youth to maturity. The documentary is enhanced by archival footage, still photographs, and an evocative soundtrack.

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The National Center For Jewish Film Brandeis University, Lown 102, MS053, Waltham MA 02454 P: (781) 899 7044, F: (781) 736 2070

A Kiss to this Land

Mexico, 1995, 93 minutes
Color & b/w, 35mm, 16mm and Video
Spanish with English subtitles
(also available in Spanish or French)

Directed by Daniel Goldberg

$90 Institutional Use DVD

Public Exhibition 35mm, 16mm, Beta Rental also available