LAJFF- East LA Interchange

The oldest neighborhood in East Los Angeles, Boyle Heights for decades was proudly multi-ethnic. Working-class families of Latino, Russian, Japanese, African-American and the largest settlement of Jews west of Chicago melded into a vibrant tapestry of shared ideals. Targeted by government policies and California planners, this quintessential immigrant neighborhood survived racially restrictive housing laws, Japanese-American internment, lack of political representation, and the construction of North Americas largest freeway system. The Jews who remained in Boyle Heights were committed to preserving the neighborhoods diversity. This story of activists and residents shows Boyle Heights as a microcosm for Americans everywhere. Features interviews with will.i.am (The Black Eyed Peas,) Father Greg Boyle (Homeboy Industries,) Momo Yashima (actress Star Trek: the Motion Picture.)

Panel discussion with Betsy Kalin, Congresswoman Roybal-Allard and featured guests in the film include activist, Leo Frumkin, Momo Yashima and Don Hodes, moderated by Ruby Gomez

In partnership with the Jewish Historical Society
Community Partner: Anti-Defamation League Latino Jewish Roundtable and Asian Jewish Initiative