Browse films

Jews of the Wild West

Amanda Kinsey
United States, 2022, 83 min.

In English.

What do Levi Strauss and Wyatt Earp have in common? They are both part of the new documentary Jews of the Wild West. The independent not-for-profit film is produced by Electric Yolk Media and directed by 5x Emmy award-winning filmmaker Amanda Kinsey. Through on-camera interviews, archival footage and photographs, the film preserves this dynamic chapter of Jewish history and the contributions made to shaping the United States.

Director's Statement

Jews of the Wild West began with a desire to tell unknown stories of the Wild West. From cowboys to trailblazers, Jewish pioneers left a lasting legacy of resilience, entrepreneurship and community in the American West. Unfortunately, these stories are too often marginalized and few people are familiar with the outstanding contributions of these gutsy immigrants. My goal is to amplify their stories, preserve a rarely told chapter of Jewish history and, in doing so, help tell a positive story of immigration. As someone who is not Jewish, I see producing and directing this film as an act of allyship and central piece of my personal and professional social justice work. 

Category: Documentary.

More in Documentary

  • The Alchemy of David

    The Alchemy of David

    Nicholas Woytuk
    United States, 2023, 14 min.

    David Michael Kennedy’s photography is more than art — it’s alchemy. Without the fickle, laborious process of printing with platinum and... more ›

  • Crows Are White

    Crows Are White

    Ahsen Nadeem
    Ireland, 2022, 97 min.

    After decades of living a secret life, a filmmaker travels to a strict Japanese monastery in search of guidance but the only monk who will help him prefers ice... more ›

  • The Exile of the Sea

    The Exile of the Sea

    Mauricio Brunetti
    Colombia, 2022, 72 min.

    This is the story of Johana, a Colombian girl, who must flee from her homeland due to the violence. She is forced to change her life, her habits, and leave... more ›