An Unknown Country: The Jewish Exiles of Ecuador (2015) User Reviews

Wonderfully informative and touching

[andressnaider · 10/10 · 22 February 2020]

A truly thoughtful film that takes us through the unlikeliest of journeys. Ms. Zelig has managed to combine historical accounts of displaced people and families in a way that is both informative and empathetic. As a person who can trace ancestry to these families' stories, I can say that this film has transformed my understanding of complex and tragic events that have shaped my family history. But the film stands on its own for anyone interested in contemplating the intersection of history, migration, and family connections.

****

[edwagreen · 10/10 · 14 June 2017]

Despite a 1938 ruling that all Jews not involved in industry or agriculture must leave within 30 days as per directions of the president of Ecuador, the country did become a haven for fleeing Jewish people to escape Nazi persecution.

We have an excellent documentary here how Jews struggled but persevered in Ecuador adjusting to an agricultural existence and surviving malaria and other illnesses in their attempts to leave the countryside and get to Quito, Ecauador's capital, where conditions were better.

We find the familiar themes of accommodation and assimilation into a totally different society, but yet with the trials and tribulations, people were willing to put up with it as it meant their very survival. Liberation, of course, is the key word here.

Very well told by survivors and people who followed them.

Great documentary--one of a kind, too

[livingdove-224-13175 · 10/10 · 24 January 2021]

I found out Eva Zelig was making this film, some years ago, via kickstarter, and I contributed to it, which I am proud of doing, as it needed to be made. My parents' families fled to Ecuador, which was one of the few countries to take in Jews, during WWII. I am forever grateful to Ecuador for saving their lives. As far as I know, "An Unknown Country" is the only film on this important subject. Eva also interviewed my Uncle Gert for this film, which makes it extra special to me. Thank you, Eva!