Creator: Bain, Brian.
Collection number: 5331
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Abstract: The documentary film “Shalom Y’all,” directed by third-generation southern Jew and New Orleans, La., native Brian Bain, details Jewish culture and identity in the American South. In the film, Bain travels 4,200 miles by car across the same route his grandfather took as a traveling salesman. Bain interviews a variety of southern Jews, including a Jewish African American police chief, a kosher butcher, a Golden Gloves boxer, and a former congressman. He also explores the role played by southern Jews in a variety of historical settings, such as the American Civil War, the civil rights movement, and the Ku Klux Klan. The collection consists of elements involved in the making of the film “Shalom Y’all,” research files, business files, and promotional materials. Elements of the film include video footage, photographic stills, audio materials, scripts, and other documents. There are also photographs of interviewees and locations featured in the film, the cast and crew while traveling and filming, and openings and other events. Research materials consist of images of southern Jewish businesses, homes, temples, celebrations, religious ceremonies, other gatherings, civil rights activities, individual and family portraits, and other subjects, and video materials covering a range of topics from Mardi Gras to civil rights. There are also Shalom Y’all scout videos. Business files consist of correspondence and other items related to grants, loans, film logos and posters, copyright, and other topics. Promotional materials include newspaper clippings, film festival schedules, and other materials.
Repository: Southern Historical Collection
Collection Highlights: Range of topics includes civil rights and African Americans practicing Judaism.