A. I’ve been interested in the Jewish communities in India for over a decade. There are several, each with its history and experience, spread across India from Mumbai and Surat to Kolkata, Manipur, Cochin, and Andhra Pradesh. While I was in Mumbai, I did a lot of reading and study about the Bene Israeli Jews who live closer to home. Before that, I recall meeting a Jewish friend of a college classmate (almost 15 years ago) and being completely taken aback. I had never heard of this community or even known that Indian Jews existed. Many people are still unaware of India’s Jewish community when I speak about this film today. However, certain names, such as David Sassoon, elicit recognition. Sassoon also made contributions to the Gateway of India and bequeathed his old home to the Parsi Trust, which is now known as Masina Hospital in Byculla.
A. I had indicated an interest in filming a documentary but had no idea where to begin, so the concept sat dormant for many years until Mathew Antony, a boarding school alumnus, came upon it on my Wikipedia page. Mathew is the grandson of Abraham Barak (or AB) Salem, a well-known Jewish nationalist in Cochin. He suggested that I begin by watching a documentary about the Cochin community. He was well-versed in the subject and had a good working relationship with the remaining members.
