Based on the true story of the screenwriter’s family. Anna is released from a Nazi concentration camp in Macedonia due to her husband’s connections. However, now she risks everything to save her parents.
Synopsis
Macedonia, 1943. Bulgaria, allied with the Nazis, cracks down on Jews while Nazi forces tighten their grip, casting a dark shadow over the rest of Europe’s Jews. Anna, a wife and mother, confronts a horrifying reality: deportation to Treblinka, a death camp synonymous with annihilation. Fear grips the community, but a whisper of defiance emerges – a chance to escape. Anna wrestles with a gut-wrenching decision. Does she abandon her parents and siblings to an unknown fate, fleeing with her husband and child? Or will she gamble everything, their lives included, in a desperate bid to save them all? The transport arrives, forcing Anna to make an impossible choice, one that will forever define her family’s future.
About the Director
Gal Genossar is a filmmaker with a keen passion for storytelling, known for his impactful films. His journey began with “Room 101” (2012), a suspense drama that garnered international recognition. “The Garden Keeper” (2014), an innovative blend of animation and live-action, received global acclaim. In 2019 Gal directed children’s series, broadening his creative reach. Concurrently, he honed his cinematography skills on various feature films. In 2019, he directed a biblical period film for Israel’s religious sector, highlighting strong female heroines. Recent works include “The Monopol” (2023), a tribute to the holocaust of Macedonian Jews, and “House Arrest” (2024), his first full-length feature exploring themes of family, religion, and redemption. Gal’s career is marked by his ability to connect with diverse audiences and his continuous evolution as a filmmaker.
Artistic Statement
In directing The Monopol, I delved into a narrative close to my heart, portraying the daunting choices faced by Anna in a Nazi concentration camp. This story, deeply personal and reflective of broader human experiences.
My approach to character development, especially Anna’s journey from vulnerability to resilience, was crafted to ensure viewers the feel of transformation.
The use of intimate cinematography, with wide lenses up close, was chosen to foster a connection, making the audience part of Anna and Elyo’s journey.
The warm browns and earthy tones in The Monopol evoke an era and emotional depth, subtly underscoring themes of hope and despair, connecting viewers deeply to the film’s narrative.
The soundtrack was carefully composed to enhance this emotional journey, leading to a climax that intertwines freedom with loss.
When I shot the film I never would have believed the film would be as relevant as it is today.
Festivals, Screenings, & Awards
Chelsea Film Festival (2023) – World Premiere
Boca International Jewish Film Festival (2024) – Best Short Film
Sunscreen Film Festival (2024) – Best Foreign Short Film
Brampton International Nollywood Film Festival (2024)
XXI Punta del Este Jewish Film Festival (2024) – Uruguay
Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (2024) – Best Faith Based Film
14th Pune Short Film Festival (2024) – India
Sante Fe Film Festival (2024)
Buenos Aires International Film Festival (2024) – Argentina
San Antonio Independent Film Festival (2024) – Ecuador
Cyprus International Film Festival (2024)
CineLibri International Book to Film Festival (2024) – Bulgaria
Lake View International Film Festival (2024) – India
Bridges International Film Festival (2024) – Greece
North Macedondia Screening at the Skopje Holocaust Museum (2024)
Year
2023
Production Country
Israel
Subject Region
Macedonia
Runtime
19 minutes
Director
Gal Genossar
Producer
Amit Eran
Screenplay
Nati Brooks
Funding
With Assistance from Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany
Supported by the Foundation Remembrance, Responsibility and Future and by the German Federal Ministry of Finance
Trailer
Stills
