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Associated Movie: The Diary of Anne Frank,
starring Millie Perkins, Joseph Schildkraut and Shelley Winters "Highly Recommended. Scott Kellner, the grandson of a German justice official who spoke out against the Nazi party during World War II, translated the nine volumes of his ancestor's personal diary and says it has lessons for today's war against terrorism." -UPI This powerful documentary tells the story of two courageous and determined men. The first, Friedrich Kellner, a political activist during World War II, the second, his grandson, Robert Scott Kellner, who learned of his grandfather's anti-Nazi diaries, and made it his life's goal to have them published to alert people to the dangers of totalitarian ideologies. Here we learn how, in Germany, Friedrich Kellner was a justice inspector who refused to join the Nazi Party, risking his and his wife's life, and secretly recorded the horrific atrocities of the Nazi Regime; these diaries remained hidden until decades later when Scott, who was orphaned as a child, seeks out his grandfather, learns his grandfather's secret, and makes a life-changing promise to tell his grandfather's story by using the diaries as a tangible protest against fascism and terrorism. Directed by Fern Levitt & Arnie Zipursky. Produced by Abella Entertainment Ltd. Distributed in association with CCI, Releasing, Inc. 08DR JSCA 66 min. |
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The Defiant: The Holocaust Memoirs of Shalom Yoran (cc) |
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"Recommended. Based on Shalom Yoran's memoirs, 'The
Defiant,' this production aims the camera at Yoran and his remembrances of
the Holocaust. While the program alternates shots between archival footage
and photographs, eyewitness testimony comprises the heart and substance of
the story. Yoran's pathos, courage, and strength compel the viewer to listen
to his heart rendering autobiography; we are riveted to his eyes, quiet
demeanor, facial expressions, and the manner in which he recounts the drama,
horror, trauma, and bittersweet victory of his ordeal through the Nazi
genocide." -EMRO Review "I think people are generally surprised there were in fact a large number of Jewish men and women who took up arms against the Nazis," says Dr. David Marwell, Director of the Museum of Jewish Heritage, as he introduces Shalom Yoran, who, after his parents were killed, refused to yield to the German onslaught, and instead chose to become a Jewish resistance fighter. Based on the acclaimed book, The Defiant, written by Shalom, this documentary is the personal re-telling of the author's Holocaust memoirs, a true story of survival and courage in the darkest days of World War II. Filled with rare archival footage generously provided by the Ghetto Fighter's House in Israel, the Museum of Jewish Heritage in NY, the U. S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration in Washington, DC, this is the amazing and moving story of a handful of courageous men and women who fought against incredible odds, who truly were "the defiant." Produced by Chip Taylor. 07DR Level 1 - SCA 52 min. Level 2 - CA 84 min. Associated Book: The Defiant Associated Programs: Holocaust Hero: A Tree for Sugihara and Holocaust Story: A Look in the Eyes of Resistance |
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"Recommended. A compelling story of Wildred Burchett, the
first Western journalist to see Hiroshima and the victims of the atomic
bomb, who spent his life warning the world against nuclear warfare."
-EMRO Review "I write this as a warning to the world..." headlined London's Daily Express in 1945, quoting Wilfred Burchett, the first Western journalist into Hiroshima after the atomic bomb explosion on August 6, 1945. What he saw profoundly affected his life. In one hospital, patients wanted to kill him, while others begged him for a cure to the disease he eventually christened "Atomic Plague." The first part of this program contains rare interviews and graphic footage of the utterly destroyed city of Hiroshima, as well as hospitalized victims of the blast. After WW II we learn that Burchett continued to speak out against atomic weapons, but also became an extremely controversial, self-named "rebel reporter," pushing the limits of freedom of the press, which many considered not only propaganda, but also treasonous. To some he's a heroic figure who spoke out against the west intervening in Korea and Vietnam; while to others, because he lived among the Viet Cong, was an admirer of Ho Chi Minh, and supported the Pol Pot regime in Cambodia, he was a traitor. His reporting the "other" side provoked such outrage in Australia he was refused entry there for nearly 20 years. Though vilified by many, he remained a steadfast believer of objective journalism up to his death in 1983 in Sofia, Bulgaria. Of course, today, facing a "war on terrorism," the world continues to ask: what is objective journalism? And the lesson humankind must take from this objective documentary is to heed Burchett's most important headline, to learn from the lessons of Hiroshima. Produced by Journeyman Pictures. 08DR JSCA 20 min. |
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Associated Movie: Schindler's List, starring
Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley and Ralph Fiennes "Highly Recommended. The tree from this documentary's title refers to one in Israel's holocaust memorial Yad Vashem. There, the Israelis have planted trees in honor of Gentiles, like Wahlenberg and Schindler, who saved the lives of Jews during World War II. In 1939, thousands of Jews fled Poland to Lithuania. On August 2, 1940, thousands of Jews gathered outside the Japanese consulate in Lithuania for permission to seek asylum in Japan. Sugihara, the Japanese diplomat in Lithuania, disobeyed his government and issued visas to over 6,000 Jews. He also organized an underground railroad to transport the otherwise doomed Jews to Japan. When Sugihara returned to Japan, he was promptly fired. I cannot give enough praise for this film. It is short, earnest, and offers an easily retainable version of an often-overlooked episode in history." -EMRO Review "Highly Recommended. To the list of notable Holocaust savings add the less familiar but no less important name of Sempo Suighara; this is an appropriate tribute to a remarkable individual." -Booklist This is the compelling story of a hero of the Holocaust, Chiune Sempo Sugihara, a man of conscience, who defied his country by issuing thousands of visas during WW II, which allowed over 6000 Jews to escape the murderous hands of the Nazis. We meet Sugihara's son, Hiroki; also Hillel Levine, author of In Search of Sugihara; plus, in Yad Vashem, Jerusalem, where a tree for Sugihara is planted, we meet Mordecai Paldiel, Director at the Department for the Righteous Among Nations. Produced by Quin Mathews. 07DR JSCA 30 min. Associated Programs: The Defiant: The Holocaust Memoirs of Shalom Yoran and Holocaust Story: A Look in the Eyes of Resistance |
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CINE Golden Eagle
Award "Recommended. A beautiful production; Moshe and Malka Baran each survived the Holocaust and share their survival stories with dignity, candor and spirit. As each speak in turn, disturbing yet not overly graphic images and footage are shown." -School Library Journal "Recommended. The footage is carefully chosen and the words of the Barans are significant." -The Jewish Chronicle "Excellent. Very impressed with the work on all levels, especially the young filmmaker. Very important to reach the young." -Natl. Catholic Center for Holocaust Education This in an important documentary for two key reasons: One, of course, is the compelling stories of two Polish Jews, Moche Baran, who fought against the Nazis as a Partisan in Eastern Europe, and Malka, who as a young girl spiritually resisted the Nazi's attempts to destroy her. They married after WW II and their remarkable story will move all who see and hear it. The other key reason is this program was made by a 15-year-old filmmaker, Paul Love, who wanted his generation to learn the Barans' story as he did, and never to forget the Holocaust. With never-before-seen-footage of Moshe's and poetic remembrances of Malka's interspersed with the story of the Holocaust, Paul has accomplished his goal and more, producing a program that will reach all generations. Produced by Daniel Love. 07DR JSCA 35 min. Associated Programs: The Defiant: The Holocaust Memoirs of Shalom Yoran and Holocaust Hero: A Tree for Sugihara |
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A simple phrase, "in the Emperor's name," underscores the
often-fanatical commitment held by the Japanese soldier during World War II.
This true story tells of a group of Japanese naval warriors who in their
hearts and minds embodied the honor, obsession, and chivalry of the Samurai
tradition during a failed suicide raid on a strategic Allied naval base in
Sydney, Australia. Produced by Trans World Intl. 08DR/CL JSCA 60 min. Associated Book: Bushido: The Way of the Samurai |
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"Recommended. This is an important program taking a small
and less well-known part of WW II and vividly making it come alive with all
of the ramifications of the events down to the present day. It sends a
powerful message about the long lasting effects of war that echo across
almost half a century, long after the battles have stopped. Any collection
that deals with WW II materials and history should consider acquiring it.
Valuable for collections of ethics, international relations, international
law, and sociology in relation to war crimes." -EMRO Review There are Nazi war criminals still alive today. However, they are old men, some barely capable of walking or even breathing on their own. One alleged criminal is Antanas Gudelis, 88, a Lithuanian who presently lives in Adelaide, South Australia. An overwhelming 94% of Lithuanian's Jewish population died during WW II; however, this program reveals why its government and others ask: is it too late to try these alleged war criminals? Produced by Journeyman Pictures. 08DR JSCA 40 min. |
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A Salute to the 60th Seabees |
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Associated Movie: The Fighting Seabees,
starring John Wayne, Susan Hayward and Dennis O'Keefe The 60th U.S. Naval Construction Battalion (known as the 60th Seabees) was established in 1941 for the specific purpose of building and defending airstrips in the Southwest Pacific during World War II. The battalion recruited its members primarily from the Midwest, seeking mature individuals with established construction skills. In a matter of months, fully indoctrinated and combat-ready members of the 60th Seabees found themselves aboard three Landing Ship Tanks approaching Woodlark Island off the coast of New Guinea. Thirteen days later on September 15, 1944, they had constructed a fully operational 3,000-foot landing strip. This program, narrated by Virgil A. Kellogg, Ph.D., former member of the 60th Seabees and a historian for their Reunion Association, provides living testimony to the accomplishments of this extraordinary unit, and to the unusual courage, skill, fortitude, and perseverance of its members. Through rare archival photographs and compelling personal recollections, Dr. Kellogg tells the truly remarkable story of this short-lived but inspirational combat construction unit. Enduring oppressive heat and humidity, nagging insects, tropical diseases, and enemy bombings, the 60th Seabees helped build three major airstrips in the Southwest Pacific, facilitating the establishment of U.S. air superiority in the South Pacific which eventually led to the surrender of the Japanese in World War II. This program commemorates that essential contribution to the defense of the United States. Produced by Chip Taylor. 07DR Level 1 - JSCA 30 min. Level 2 - SCA 40 min. Associated Book: Postcards From World War II |
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CINE Golden Eagle Award Best Director Nomination -Director's Guild of America Best Film Award -AFV Awards Associated Movie: Mission of the Shark: The Saga of the USS Indianapolis, starring Stacy Keach and Richard Thomas "Highly Recommended. The tragic story of the sinking of the USS Indianapolis, the ship chosen to transport the components of the atomic bomb across the Pacific in WW II, is dramatically retold in this effective documentary. Archival footage, convincing simulation, pertinent stills, and a smooth voice-over are intercut with the vivid recollections of some of the 317 men who floated for five days in shark-infested waters and survived the disaster in which 880 others perished. Interviews with the crew, the Japanese commander who sank the Indianapolis, and the sons of Captain McVay, the commanding officer of the ship, who was court-martialed after the tragedy, convincingly argue that McVay was used as a scapegoat to cover up the navy's culpability in the incident. The compelling production concludes with McVay's trial and subsequent suicide. " -Booklist "Highly Recommended. This is a solid production. The script is well written, and the visuals clearly support the narration of events and concepts. The use of live-action, still photographs, interviews with survivors, and supporting graphics, complement the text very well. The many key and debatable points are provided in this production in an interesting and thoughtful manner." -EMRO Review This is the documentary that opened the eyes of America, retelling the story of the worst US Navy disaster in history, and the worst loss of life from shark attack in naval history; this is the tragic story of the sinking of the USS Indianapolis, the ship chosen to transport the components of the atomic bomb across the Pacific in WW II. This documentary guarantees the story of the USS Indianapolis, its Captain and its crew will never be forgotten. Also, it must be noted, after years of effort, in July, 2001, the Navy amended Captain McVay's record and exonerated him for the loss of the USS Indianapolis and of those who died as a result of the ship's sinking. Produced by Bill Van Daalen. Note: Recent information from a veterans' group of USS Indianapolis survivors has proven there were 317 men rescued. Historically, there have been references made to 316 survivors; this was due to an error in Navy records. 08DR/CL JSCA 60 min. Associated Books: Out of the Depths and In Harm's Way |
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Victoria Cross |
| Focusing on the symbolism behind the medal, this program pays tribute to the diminishing rank of Canadian heroes who share the distinction of being awarded the "VC" for exceptional valor during WW II. Produced by Duncan Productions. 08DR/CL JSCA 30 min. |
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"Recommended. Excellently crafted documentary that
includes the stories of two actual participants - one from each side."
-Ed. Media Review Documentary on the Winter War of WW II between the USSR and Finland; Russian history refers to this war as a "border conflict," The narration explains that it was, in fact, a Soviet invasion. Produced by Film'O AV Productions. 08DR/CL JSCA 60 min. |
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"Highly Recommended. A fitting and lasting tribute to the
women who served in the US Women's Army Corps." -Ed. Media Review Throughout the history of the United States, women have played significant roles in support of the military services. In World War I, women were allowed to enlist in the US Navy and the US Marine Corps, but it was not until May, 1942, with the establishment of the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps, that women were allowed to augment the US Army, filling "behind the lines" positions and freeing up men for combat assignments. One year later, congress granted full military status to women through creation of the Women's Army Corps, and from that time until its disestablishment in 1978, the Women's Army Corps proved to be an essential component in the US defense effort. However, since its inception, the Women's Army Corps had to struggle to gain equal status and benefits for its members. This program, narrated by Emmy Award-winning actress Mariette Hartley, and filled with historical footage and interviews with prior directors and members of the Women's Army Corps, documents that struggle, as well as the extraordinary contributions made by members of the Women's Army Corps who served with unparalleled pride and valor. The program also shows how the efforts of women's rights activists led to the eventual disestablishment of the Women's Army Corps and ultimately to the full integration of women into the US Army. Produced by Dane Hansen Productions. 08DR/CC Closed-Captioned JSCA 30 min. |
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"Those of us who have fought for our country will always
appreciate the labors and sacrifices of these women. This program is a
tribute to their contribution." -George H.W. Bush During World War II, women served in the military in various roles on the home front. The H.J. Heinz Company, because it was part of a top-secret government project to build glider planes, had a particular need for additional factory workers. This is the story of five women who worked at the plant in Pittsburgh, PA, during the war, how they were drawn to the work, what it was like to work there, and how they remember those times. Produced by Julia Love. 08DR JSCA 30 min. |
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"Recommended. Poignant profile of veterans facing fading
memories of WW II." -Video Librarian Stirring portrait of surviving, Canadian WW II veterans dispels any romantic image of war by focusing on how these men's experiences in the war changed their lives forever. Produced by Duncan Productions. 08DR/CL JSCA 30 min. |