MJFF – Between The Stone and The Flower
Between The Stone and The Flower
Making its world premiere at the Festival, the made-in-Miami documentary Between the Stone and the Flower: The Duality of the Conversos chronicles the remarkable odyssey of Genie Milgrom as she embarks on a decades-long quest to uncover her Jewish lineage. Born in Havana, Cuba, and raised in Miami, Genie’s education was steeped in Roman Catholicism, from grade school to university. Despite her upbringing, she carried a persistent sense of disconnection within her Spanish Catholic surroundings. Genie’s story is one of twists and turns, as she confronts the challenging choice to transition from her traditional Catholic family in Spain to embracing Judaism, ultimately opting for an Orthodox path. Her decision sends shockwaves through her family and friends, while her own conviction about her family’s Jewish roots in the Iberian Peninsula centuries prior only deepens.
This fascinating tale follows Genie’s relentless pursuit of the ancestral “breadcrumbs” left behind by her forebearers. Her journey leads her to delve into Medieval Archives and traverse various European countries, piecing together the web of secrecy woven by her ancestors during the dark periods of European history. With the steadfast support of her husband Michael, who hails from Ashkenazi origins in Romania, Genie eventually unearths the truth about her family’s heritage. The result is a captivating film that offers an unmissable glimpse into her profound exploration.
The special premiere event will feature film subject and acclaimed author Genie Milgrom in attendance to introduce the film and participate in a Q&A afterward.
