Virtual Film and Discussion: Truus’ Children
The Sousa Mendes Foundation Presents:
Virtual film and discussion: Truus’ Children, the story of a Dutch superwoman who saved innocent lives.
Please join us for a sneak preview of the not-yet-released film Truus’ Children about the life-saving action of the Dutch rescuer Gertruuda (“Truus”) Wijsmuller (photo shown here). Her chutzpah brought her face to face with Adolf Eichmann, from whom she obtained permission in December of 1938 to save 600 Jewish children from Vienna. This was the first Kindertransport, in what eventually became a major operation that sent approximately 10,000 Jewish children to the United Kingdom from Germany, Austria, Poland, and Czechoslovakia. She was named Righteous Among the Nations in 1967, and yet her story is still barely known. This event is not to be missed!
THE SCHEDULE:
⇒ May 29-31, any time, RENT THE FILM for $4.99 (3-day rental) Link coming soon. To see the trailer, click here.
⇒ May 29-31, any time, WATCH THE FILM on your home device.
⇒ May 31 at 2:00 p.m. US Eastern Time, DISCUSS THE FILM, its context and its relevance to today. Meet the filmmakers Pamela Sturhoofd and Jessica van Tijn who will be in dialogue with one of the rescued children featured in the film. They will have a discussion and then take questions.
MEET THE FILMMAKERS
Dutch filmmakers Pamela Sturhoofd (at right) and Jessica van Tijn (below) are co-owners and co-founders of the media company Special Eyes Productions, established in 1998.
Pamela studied Communication Sciences and Political Science at the University of Amsterdam and directing at the Media Academy in Hilversum. She has had a long career in the media world, working at Tros Aktua, Sleeswijk Entertainment and Stokvis Productions, and as an executive producer at Endemol.
Jessica pursued studies in International Relations and Communication Sciences at the University of Amsterdam, followed by a postgraduate IB course at Clingendael Institute and a directing course at the Media Academy in Hilversum. She has worked in Dutch radio and television (VPRO/VARA), and has lived and traveled extensively in Mexico and Latin America.
Pamela and Jessica have traveled the world to track down and interview the children saved by Truus Wijsmuller, now in their 80s and 90s, many of whom had no idea who had saved them. Now the filmmakers are assembling the first-ever Truus Wijsmuller Archive to ensure that this story is preserved into the future.
Please note: Registration will close on Thursday, May 28 at 10 p.m. US Eastern Time and the video link for the discussion will be sent the following day.
