"They Called Us Trujillo's Jews" at LAJFF with Jewtina y Co.

The Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival and Jewtina y Co.'s Latin-Jewish Film Festival are partnering on a screening of They Called Us Trujillo's Jews.

The screening begins at 7:00 PM at Laemmle Encino and will be followed by a Q&A with special guests.

ABOUT THE FILM

When the world turned away, the Dominican Republic answered. They Called Us Trujillo's Jews tells the extraordinary true story of the Sosúa settlement — the refugee colony created on land donated by Rafael Trujillo that saved hundreds of European Jews at a moment when few countries would accept them.

Through survivors' testimony, archival documents, and intimate scenes of the town today, the film explores survival and gratitude alongside the moral ambiguities of power: why a dictator opened his doors, what life in Sosúa was really like, and the legacy that small acts of sanctuary can leave across generations.

A revelatory and deeply humane documentary, They Called Us Trujillo's Jews recovers the story of Sosúa — a daring rescue that saved hundreds and left a complex legacy of survival, community, and memory.

This special premiere event will feature a panel discussion with Holocaust historian Dr. Michael Berenbaum, and moderated by Mariposa (Kimberly) Dueñas, Director of Learning & Founding Member of Jewtina y Co.

Year: 2026/USA, Dominican Republic/62 minutes

In English and Spanish with English subtitles

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Latin-Jewish Film Festival takes place across Los Angeles, celebrating Latin-Jewish identity through cinema. Three carefully curated films will be screened over two months, bringing together Los Angeles' Jewish community for an exploration of multicultural Jewish identities, Latin American culture, and meaningful cross-cultural dialogue.

Hosted at venues throughout the city, the festival highlights diverse Jewish narratives from Latin America, fostering cultural understanding and community connection. It creates essential spaces for Latin-Jewish young adults and community members to see their experiences authentically reflected on screen — while building bridges across Los Angeles' varied Jewish communities.

This initiative is presented in collaboration with , the young adult initiative of the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles. The Latin-Jewish Film Festival is also in partnership with the Jewish Film Institute, Kultur Mercado, and Jewish American Heritage Month, Los Angeles.

If your organization is interested in joining as a community partner, please reach out: [email protected].

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Host or Publisher Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival