New Release
Like many survivors of the Holocaust, after World War II, Saul and Ruby moved to America, started families and careers, grew old, and retired to South Florida. For them, retirement could have been the last chapter in their story. But then they decided to start a klezmer band, named the Holocaust Survivor Band.
Saul & Ruby's Holocaust Survivor Band
A Film by: Tod Lending
(USA 2020, 80 min, English, English subtitles)
Like many survivors of the Holocaust, after World War II, Saul and Ruby moved to America, started families and careers, grew old, and retired to South Florida. For them, retirement could have been the last chapter in their story. But then they decided to start a klezmer band, named the Holocaust Survivor Band. The band summons the bittersweet memories of childhood in Poland, but more than that, it is a celebration of life. In this utterly heart-affecting and enthralling film, we follow Saul and Ruby’s musical journey, which begins in total obscurity, playing in residential homes for the elderly and small Jewish community organizations, to being invited to perform at venues across the country, including a coveted performance at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage. This unique and compelling story is about having the courage to live one’s dreams, finding purpose and meaning in life at any age, the transcendent power of music, and the importance of speaking out against antisemitism and bigotry.
FESTIVALS & SCREENINGS
Grand Jury Prize - Miami JFF 2020: "The movie is a hugely inspirational work that records important history in a fresh and moving manner".
Audience Choice Award for Best documentary - Atlanta JFF 2020
Krakow Int'l FF 2020
Rochester JFF 2020
Asheville NC JFF 2020
Rochester NY JFF 2020
Jackson WY JFF 2020
Victoria International Jewish Film Festival 2020
Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center, Cincinnati OH