Ella Blumenthal: I Am Here — Claims Conference Film Grants

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Synopsis

A life-affirming documentary that celebrates the remarkable life of Ella Blumenthal, whose magnetic personality and spirit have remained undimmed despite living through one of history’s darkest chapters. One of the oldest living survivors of the Holocaust, Ella celebrates her 98th birthday, where she reveals to close friends and family profound memories of her incredible survival in a way she has never done before. Her memories, depicted through intimate 2D animation, allow the audience to walk alongside Ella through her uplifting journey of survival.

About the Director

Jordy Sank is an award-winning South African director and screenwriter known for his feature documentary I Am Here (2021), South African Film and TV Awards (SAFTA) nominated short film The Locket (2015) and Afrikaans short film Leemtes en Leegheid (2022) that recently won Best Short Film at kykNET’s Silwerskermfees. He gravitates towards intimate human stories and social impact narratives, winning Best Director at both the Africa Human Rights Film Festival and the Jozi Film Festival in 2021.

I Am Here (2021) won Best South African Documentary (Oscar Qualifying) and the Audience Choice Award at the Durban International Film Festival 2021 and has won numerous international awards. The documentary was screened in over 80 theatres across the USA in March 2022.

Artist Statement

Ella has a joie de vivre, a zest for life, like no other, a characteristic that is unexpected, given her traumatic past. Ella perfectly encapsulates a strong-willed, unwavering woman, who will stop at nothing to live life to the fullest and cherish every single moment. Ella’s playful personality positions her as a lovable grandmother figure that we can all relate to.

The younger generations will be the future of Holocaust remembrance, especially in the next few years when there will be no survivors left. We made the creative choice to use 2D animation to visually show Ella’s unimaginable memories and allow the audience to walk alongside her on her journey. The animation does something that stock footage cannot, it paints a clear and palatable picture for the audience of moments that only Ella could see and allows one to fathom, resonate and empathize with what Ella endured.