DOING JEWISH: A STORY FROM GHANA

Cinemavixion Review

Gabrielle Zilkha's documentary, "Doing Jewish: A Story From Ghana," offers a profound and moving exploration of faith, identity, and belonging. The film centers on a remote community in Ghana who discover that their centuries-old practices are, in fact, Judaism. Zilkha, who is Jewish herself, embarks on a personal journey alongside the Sefwi community as they navigate their newfound connection to a global Jewish heritage. The narrative skillfully weaves together the Sefwi's history, their rediscovery of ancient texts, and their aspirations for recognition within the broader Jewish world. Central to the story is Alex Armah, a charismatic young leader determined to become a rabbi and teach his community, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of maintaining religious identity in isolation. The film sensitively portrays the Sefwi's deep devotion, contrasting it with the filmmaker's own secular upbringing, prompting reflections on what it truly means "to do Jewish." "Doing Jewish" transcends a simple ethnographic study, evolving into a compelling character study and a thoughtful meditation on the fluid nature of religious practice and cultural heritage. The documentary is particularly poignant in its depiction of the Sefwi community's earnest desire for acceptance and connection, making it a touching and insightful watch for anyone interested in the diverse expressions of faith and the universal human quest for identity.