Flory’s Flame
A film by Curt Fissel
This film was screened as a part of the 2015 Cine Las Americas International Film Festival (CLAIFF18)
With Filmmaker Ellen Friedland in attendance
USA, Historical/Biographical Documentary, 2014
59 min, HDV, Color/Black & White
English, Ladino with English subtitles
FLORY’S FLAME is a compelling documentary preserving pre-Inquisition Sephardic Jewish culture as expressed through song. The film weaves selections from a moving Celebration Concert at the US Library of Congress featuring legendary Sephardic composer, Flory Jagoda, with sound bites relaying her powerful personal history. Flory was born in Sarajevo to a musical family whose roots stretched back to Spain for hundreds of years prior to the Jewish expulsion in 1492. Their songs and lyrics were lovingly passed down to Flory, her family’s only survivor of the Holocaust able to convey the original sounds. Flory is joined onstage by 25 musicians with whom she has performed over the years.
Texas Premiere
About the director
Formerly the Chief Photographer and Manager of News and Documentary Staff for NJN, Curt Fissel helped co-found JEMGLO Productions in Montclair, where he has served as the Director, the Director of Photography, and Senior Video Editor. Many of his documentaries have been broadcast on PBS and cable channels and have screened at global film festivals. Curt has received numerous awards, including the Cine Golden Eagle, and Emmy nominations including Individual Achievement in Photography and Outstanding Historical Documentary.
Credits
Producer: Ellen Friedland
Production Companies: JEMGLO
Screenwriter: Ellen Friedland
Cinematographer: Curt Fissel
Editor: Curt Fissel
Sound Design: Sam Aronson
Cast: Flory Jagoda
Print Source: Ellen Friedland – JEMGLO Productions, ellen@jemglo.org