Movies by Vivienne Roumani

Vivienne Roumani is a filmmaker whose deeply personal documentaries explore the rich cultural heritage and harrowing histories of Jewish communities around the world. With an eye for intimate detail and a commitment to preserving endangered oral histories, Roumani crafts films that are both enlightening and emotionally resonant. Her breakout feature, The Last Jews of Libya (2007), is a poignant portrait of the rapidly dwindling Libyan Jewish diaspora. Through candid interviews and immersive footage, Roumani bears witness to a once-thriving community facing displacement and systemic persecution. The film's empathetic, human-centric approach sets it apart, offering a vital counterpoint to more detached historical narratives. Roumani's most recent work, Out of Print (2013), expands her geographic and thematic scope, exploring the seismic shift from print to digital media and its impact on libraries, bookstores, and local communities. While the subject matter may seem drier on the surface, Roumani imbues the film with the same level of nuance and emotional insight, reminding viewers of the enduring power of the printed word. Across her body of work, Roumani emerges as a filmmaker deeply invested in safeguarding cultural memory and giving voice to the marginalized.