Sep

13 2018

Film screening: "Korczak"

10:45AM - 1:45PM  

This Federation event takes place at Knesset Israel 16 Colt Road
Pittsfield, MA 01201

http://knessetisrael.org

Contact Nancy Maurice Rogers
413-442-4360 x 15
nrogers@jewishberkshires.org
http://www.jewishberkshires.org

The Jewish Federation Connecting with Community will screen the film Korczak, directed by Andrzej Wajda.

This black and white film is the account of the last days of life of the legendary Polish Jewish doctor Henryk Goldszmit, known as Janusz Korczak, who created an orphanage for over 200 homeless Jewish children.

He resisted calls to save himself while hoping the Nazis would spare the orphans from the camps. He refused to accept a Swiss passport and boarded the train to Treblinka with his orphans.  This film is a testimony to the heroic deeds and educational contributions made by Dr. Janusz Korszak.

"Henryk Goldszmit had become a Polish icon in the 1930s through his writings, teachings and radio programs for children (under the name of Janusz Korczak). When the kids from his Warsaw orphanage were to be deported to the gas chambers of Treblinka, he refused to abandon them and, with them, he died in the Holocaust. Academy Award® winning director Andrzej Wajda brings this tragic tale to the screen in KORCZAK, starring Wojciech Pszoniak as the kind and fiercely committed doctor. After the Nazis invade Poland, Korczak and his orphans are moved into the newly formed Ghettos where he scrounges for food and vainly tries to protect the children from the violence and famine outside their walls. With a powerful script by Agnieszka Holland, stunning black and white cinematography by Robby Müller and performed with self-immolating intensity by Pszoniak and the phenomenally talented ensemble of child actors, KORCZAK is, as Steven Spielberg wrote, 'one of the most important European pictures about the Holocaust.'"

Film will begin at 10:45, break for lunch at noon, and complete by 1:45.

This free program is part of the Federation’s Connecting With Community Series and will be followed by a kosher hot lunch. Lunch is a $2 suggested donation for adults over 60 years of age or $7 for all others. Advance reservations are required for lunch and can be made by calling (413) 442-2200 before 9 a.m. on the day of the program.