Part of Carnegie Mellon's 2011 International Film Festival, 'Faces of Migration,' CMU presents 'Diplomat'

The luxurious Hotel Diplomat in Jerusalem -- once known for its green lawns, elaborate corridors and 'see-and-be seen' club -- has become an absorption center, a place where time has come to a standstill. For nearly 20 years its 700 rooms have been home to 600 immigrants from the former Soviet Union. Never having integrated into Israeli society, its residents have created their own little island, secluded from the outside world. Many of them never leave the haven of its walls. After all, even their most basic needs like medical care and cultural activities can be provided for by their neighbors down the hall in their own language, Russian.