More about the film:

When filmmaker Len Pearl suffers a devastating tragedy, he embarks on a deeply personal journey to heal. But what begins as a search for meaning becomes an epic odyssey across Canada and Europe, unearthing a hidden chapter of history—the overlooked story of the Jewish community of Canada and its vital role in shaping a nation. Searching Out the Land is a cinematic documentary series filmed across sweeping landscapes and storm-tossed seas—from the remote, rugged Canadian wilderness to the depths of the ocean floor and vaults long sealed by time. It’s a quest for lost artifacts, buried truths, and a history locked away for more than 250 years. Through breathtaking visuals, immersive re-enactments, and relentless investigation, the series brings to life a forgotten past—the legacy of the Jewish community of Canada—that continues to shape the country today.

As Len walks in the footsteps of the early Jewish Canadian pioneers, he uncovers so much more than a long-buried history and is forced to confront his own personal grief. Past and present collide in a story of perseverance and belonging. Searching Out the Land is a revelation of identity, a reckoning with nationhood, and a haunting reminder of the cost of forgetting.

And it all begins, as the most powerful journeys often do, with a broken heart.

More about the Ontario Jewish Archives

The Ontario Jewish Archives (part of UJA Federation) serves as a living bridge between past, present, and future by collecting, preserving, and making accessible the documented heritage of Jewish people across Ontario. Through professional archival practices, we safeguard irreplaceable records in Canada’s largest repository of Jewish life—from cherished family photographs to institutional documents, personal correspondence, audiovisual materials, and born-digital records—against potential historical erasure. Our work connects researchers, families, and communities to these historical materials; strengthening Jewish identity, fostering intergenerational and cultural connections, and building opportunities to express our vibrant cultural legacy. Learn more: www.ontariojewisharchives.org.