Week Four of the 2026 Ajijic Jewish Film Festival showcases “Arranged,” a unique relationship film, Sunday, January 25, 1.30 p.m. at the Cinema+Lago Plaza Bougamvilas.
“Arranged” depicts the friendship between two women, one Orthodox Jewish, the other Muslim, who meet as first-year teachers at a New York public school in Brooklyn.
Over the course of the school year, they learn they share much in common — not least of which is that they are both going through the process of having marriages arranged for them.
Muslim Nasira is initially introduced to an older man, a friend of her father’s, whom she rejects. Her parents then introduce her to a young man her own age, whom she likes.
The system is different for Jewish Rochel, however, who is introduced to young men through the local Shadchan (matchmaker). While Nasira’s parents ultimately listened to her frustrations and interests, Rochel’s Shadchan consistently ignores what Rochel wants.
After a few disastrous introductions, Rochel announces that she is stopping the process. She then temporarily leaves home to discuss the matter with her cousin, who has left the Orthodox tradition.
Ultimately, in an interesting twist, through an accidental meeting with friends of Nasira’s brother, it is Nasira who helps Rochel find an Orthodox Jewish young man she likes.
Lest our readers and moviegoers conclude that arranged marriages are a thing of the past, be assured that this tradition survives and flourishes even today
Following the showing of “Arranged,” stay for Rosalie’s Talk-Back, an open discussion of the film.
Directed by Diane Crespo and Stefan Schaefer, USA 2007, runtime 1:30.