Film Screening: Jews of the Wild West

Delray Beach Public Library screens the film Jews of the Wild West (2022, NR, 80 mins.) as part of the series “Stories of Exile” reading group. Western Jewish pioneers, those of the silver screen and real life, are a largely forgotten chapter in US history. And yet, they played a definitive role in shaping the expansion of the United States. The wagon trains that moved westward with Jewish families traveled for the same reason as many settlers: opportunity. By 1912, it is estimated over 100,000 Jewish immigrants had moved to the Wild West. They put down roots and, today, epitomize the important legacy of immigration in America. Through on-camera interviews, compelling footage, and historical photographs, the film tells a positive immigration story and highlights the dynamic contributions Jewish Americans made to shaping the Western United States.

This feature-length documentary is directed by Amanda Kinsey, an executive producer, filmmaker, five-time Emmy Award winner and fourth-generation photojournalist. Prior to founding her own production company, Electric Yolk Media, she spent over a decade writing and producing for NBC News.

Registration is required to attend. Free public parking is available behind the library. Funding for this screening is provided in part through a Florida Humanities Community Project Grant with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities and in partnership with the Delray Beach Public Library. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Florida Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.