Legends & Legacies: The History of South African Jewry
The impact that South African Jews have made on our country is enormous. Most arrived here bereft of belongings, with only a little knowledge of the language. What they did possess was an indomitable Jewish spirit.
In a short space of time these immigrants made waves, emerging as the leaders in their respective fields. From academia to the arts, commerce to culture, literature to law, mining to medicine, philanthropy to politics, retail to Rabbinics, science to sport. South African Jews have made an enormous impact, an impact that has gone far beyond the constraints of place or time.
In an ambitious undertaking, Legends and Legacies: A Perspective on the History of South African Jewry, endorsed by the Chief Rabbi of South Africa, Dr Warren Goldstein, and the support of the National Centre for Jewish Film at Brandeis University, USA, will be a 13-part TV series that documents the influence of South African Jews from the time of the Dutch East India Company until today.
Who were these people? An Internet search will disclose their achievements, their accolades, and their ancestry, however, a TV series will delve into the memories of families and friends, and into dusty archives, and make that information readily available.
Archival information together with one-on-one interviews will be used to produce this television series, a unique synthesis of their public and private personas, and a dedicated website will be set up as an educational resource.
This TV series will be produced by Mann Made Media in conjunction with Media Metropolis, and all money raised for this project will be placed into a trust account held by an attorney. An accountant – working in conjunction with the attorney – will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the finances. Income derived from royalties and distribution of the series will be re-invested to produce further documentaries of this nature, and keep the website updated.
We are now seeking partners to help us take this meaningful project to fruition. The project’s budget is R6,500,000 (US$500,000) and we invite you to join with us in this venture that promises to be a legacy for future generations. Your donation will be acknowledged both at the beginning and end of each episode, as well as prominently displayed on the website.
