“I Am Here” to release at Cinema Nouveau Rosebank on 27 January. Additional special pre-release screening scheduled up For 26 January, following popular demand
It’s not every day that you come across someone who is over a century old. A new documentary highlights the extraordinary life of South African Ella Blumenthal, whose charismatic charm makes her history even more astonishing. The feature documentary I Am Here follows this courageous South African Holocaust survivor as she shares her incredible tale and unwavering love of life.
I Am Here will release at Cinema Nouveau Rosebank on 27 January, to coincide with International Holocaust Remembrance Day. In response to popular demand tickets are available for a special pre-release screening on Thursday 26 January at 7:30 PM, additional to the one on Wednesday 25 January at 7:30 PM, featuring an appearance by Paul Salmons, followed by a question and answer session with the filmmakers. Salmons is a world-renowned exhibition curator and educator specialising in challenging histories and exploring the continued relevance of the past in today’s complex world.
Ella has recovered her life despite having survived one of history’s deadliest systematic genocides during WWII, and she inspires others with her perseverance and bright demeanour. As one of the last remaining survivors in South Africa, her message of love and tolerance is more vital than ever in a world still plagued by bigotry and intolerance.
In I Am Here, we meet Ella Blumenthal (now 101) at her 98th birthday celebration, where she opens up to close friends and family about her journey of survival, in a way she has never done before. This documentary contrasts Ella’s vibrant day-to-day life with stories of her survival. These memories are depicted through dynamic 2D animation, innovatively bringing her storytelling to life and resonating with audiences across generations.
Ella recalls bearing witness to losing her family, being a prisoner of three concentration camps, and narrowly escaping death in a gas chamber. However, she is not your average nonagenarian. This grandmother has 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 draws attention and brightens up the screen by never being hesitant to express herself, to joke about, or to suddenly speak about really terrible situations in her history. This has resulted in the picture connecting with audiences all across the world, and it has already won several honours. I Am Here has received three coveted Golden Horns at the South African Film and Television Awards, including Best Documentary, Best Achievement in Editing, and Best Achievement in Cinematography. This documentary has won several honours. During its extended film festival run, I Am Here earned Best South African Documentary at the Durban International Film Festival, as well as four Audience Choice Awards and two Awards for Best Director.
“Ella’s feisty, upbeat personality makes her a fantastic raconteur and wonderful character to follow in this film” said Benjamin Cowley, CEO Gravel Road Distribution Group. “I Am Herenot only shines a light on her remarkable life, but also pays tribute to the power of the human spirit. Her vivacious personality and her positive outlook on life is truly inspiring,” he added.
I Am Here was directed by Jordy Sank, produced by Gabriella Blumberg and was supported by a grant from The Conference on Jewish Material Claims against Germany.
View the trailer for I Am Here here.
To book tickets, click here.
Main Image: Supplied
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