Synopsis

Flory’s Flame is a one-hour documentary weaving the life story of 90-year old Sephardic US National Heritage Fellow musician Flory Jagoda with her 2013 Celebration Concert at the US Library of Congress. The combined personal and musical overviews open a window on pre-Inquisition Spanish Jewish life. Flory’s roots go back to that pre-1492 era, then moved to the Balkans, settling in Bosnia and Croatia. As the sole surviving Altarac family member, with most of her family killed during World War II, Flory’s life mission has been to continue her family’s cultural legacy through their music. Her strength of spirit shines through her challenging but ultimately triumphant story expressed in the context of the impactful music performed by Flory and 25 fellow musicians in the prestigious and inspiring Library of Congress Celebration Concert.