On January 27, a special film screening dedicated to the International Holocaust Remembrance Day was held at the Menorah Cultural and Business Center. The event was organized by the Museum of Jewish Remembrance and the Holocaust in Ukraine, the United Jewish Community of Ukraine with the assistance of the Menorah Art Platform.

The event featured the feature film “Why I'm Alive” by Willen Novak, based on real events that took place in Mariupol in the early 1940s. The film tells the story of nine-year-old Zhenya, through whose eyes the audience observes the difficult life trials of his family during and after World War II. The film touches on themes of interethnic love, prejudice, the tragedies of war, courage and self-sacrifice. The plot is based on events that remind us of the ability of the human spirit to withstand the darkest moments of history.

Before the screening, the guests were addressed by Dr. Iryna Radchenko, Director of the Museum of the Memory of the Jewish People and the Holocaust in Ukraine; Vitaly Kamozin, Director of the United Jewish Community of Ukraine; and Andriy Osipov, Guest of Honor, film producer, Chairman of the Council for State Support of Cinematography, and Head of the Odessa Film Studio. They emphasized that the film “Why I Am Alive” is not only an artistic story, but also an important reminder of the importance of preserving and remembering the past.

Filmed in Odessa and its surroundings, the film impressed the audience with its authenticity, emotionality and drama. And after the screening, Andriy Osipov shared interesting stories about the creation of the film with the audience, talked about the peculiarities of the filming process and answered questions from the audience.

This event was an important event that once again reminded us of the tragic history of the Holocaust and the importance of remembrance as an integral part of our future. Thank you to everyone who shared this day with us!