Survivors is a film inspired by their successful stage play of the same name by Wendy Kout and commissioned by the Louis S. Wolk Jewish Community Center’s CenterStage Theatre in Rochester, NY.  Survivors chronicles the journeys of ten Survivors who were all young at the start of the Holocaust and rebuilt their lives in America after the war. Six actors weave together the stories of these Survivors in an effort to put a human face on this tragedy, enlighten viewers about the dangers of normalized hate, and inspire them to make a difference in the lives of others when they see injustice in the world. 

Playwright and filmmaker Wendy Kout was commissioned to create the play Survivors in 2017, incorporating the ten Survivors’ own verbatim testimonies, augmented with historical data. Now more than 75 years since the liberation of Auschwitz and with few Survivors remaining, this play and film are able to preserve these stories for generations to come. 

Survivors: The Film will incorporate the stage play, which has been performed in select cities throughout North America, and expand the reach to a worldwide audience. The film will also incorporate archival footage, interviews with living Survivors and their families, the creative team, as well as young audience members and teachers.  Survivors: The Film will help ensure that the voices of our Survivors are never forgotten and provide access to those for whom a live theatrical production is not feasible. Our goal is that any person with a screen will have access to this film and these powerful stories.  

Survivors: The Film will be available for viewing soon.