As people in Canada, Israel and around the world celebrate Passover, we are all reminded of one of the greatest stories of freedom in human history.
And it is therefore quite appropriate that during this Passover week, another remarkable story of freedom will be showcased.
Shield of Solomon is a compelling documentary that captures the inspiring journey of Darfur refugees who flee oppression in Sudan, for freedom in Israel.
The film will appear at the Pan Africa Film Festival in Montreal on April 18.
“In the grand scheme of things, Israel has done much more for Darfur refugees than most other countries,” says the film’s creator, Igal Hecht. “While some have had a hard time integrating, many are now able to live a happier, more pleasant life in Israel than anywhere else, especially more so than in Egypt, where they were massacred.”
Shield of Solomon, which made its world premier on the CBC’s documentary channel in March, shows what real life is like for the refugees in their new homeland.
Their trials and tribulations, as well as achievements and successes, are portrayed in a way that has garnered critical acclaim for Hecht and his crew.
“The motivation to do this film came from a news clip I saw on television, in which a Canadian reporter put the emphasis on the refugees being detained,” says Hecht, who lives in Toronto. “I felt this was a twisted way to report this story and served to only vilify Israel. I knew that this wasn’t the real situation and by making the film, I had the opportunity to show that.”
A sabra, Hecht moved to Canada about 20 years ago and started up Chutzpa Productions in 1999.
The company has produced a large number of documentaries, many of which deal with pertinent issues affecting Israel today.
An upcoming documentary entitled My Flag, probes people to reflect on the question, “What does the Israeli flag mean to you?”
My Flag will be shown at the Toronto Jewish Film Festival on April 24@2:30pm at the Miles Nadal JCC Theatre.
To find out more, please visit www.chutzpaproductions.com.