Always Remember is a six-month series of free, virtual screenings designed to raise Holocaust awareness through cinema. Each month from June through November, we’ll offer a selection of films designed to amplify unique voices and experiences relating to the Holocaust, highlighting LGBTQ+ stories, women’s perspectives, stories of resistance, youth experiences and more.

You’re invited to join us for an online screening of Dear Fredy, followed by a pre-recorded conversation with director Rubi Gat, moderated by Benjamin Cantu.

Fredy Hirsch was a proud Jew and openly gay man living in Nazi occupied Europe during WWII. At 19 years old, he fled from Germany to Czechoslovakia upon the publication of the Nuremberg Laws. He began working as a sports trainer in a Jewish youth club and quickly gained the admiration of his students. With the deportation of the Jews to Ghetto Terezin (Theresienstadt), Fredy was appointed head of the youth department and nurtured more than 4,000 young people. When he arrived in Auschwitz, Fredy did not succumb to despair. He persuaded Mengele to set up a daycare center for children and youth, and granted some 600 children their final moments of happiness in the face of an impossible situation. Together, with members of the underground in Auschwitz, he planned a revolt that never came to pass following his death, which remains a mystery, and which this film attempts to reveal.

Dear Fredy combines interviews, archival footage and animation, and participated in more than 50 festivals worldwide, winning the following prizes:

Grand Prize Jury Award – Qfest (Houston, Texas, 2018); Audience Award, Prix du public – Vues d’en Face (Grenoble, France, 2019); Programmer’s Award for Best Feature – Fairy Tales Film Festival (Calgary, Canada, 2020)

 
2017, 72 minutes, color; Hebrew, English, and Czech | Written & Directed by Rubi Gat | Produced by Shahar Ben Hur, Rubi Gat | Executive Produced by Shahar Ben Hur
 

Registration Information

Film Independent Members and the general public can register for this event starting at 6:00 pm PT on Monday, June 17. | Registration is free; one registration per individual.

Completing a single registration for any Always Remember film in a given month will grant access to all films available that month. You’ll also have the option to register for the entire series.
 

How to Watch

We’re excited to present a diverse, engaging series that is accessible to anyone who wishes to participate – all you need is an email address and a device on which to stream the film(s).

On the first day of screening availability, registrants will be emailed a secure link by our partner Vision Media to watch that month’s films in the Film Independent Presents Online Screening Room. The access period to view the films will be approximately the last two weeks of each month.
 

Online Screening Policies

Availability window and registration capacity may vary; always register as early as possible to ensure access. Links are watermarked, nontransferable and may only be used by the individual who completed the registration. Limit one link per individual, per event.

Registrants are required to follow all rules and guidelines as laid out by Film Independent and/or its partners. If a guest has been registered for an event by a Member, these policies shall apply to that guest. Violation of policies may result in suspension or termination of Membership/access to future events.

Always Remember films, participants, availability window(s) and other details are subject to change without prior notice.
 

Questions?

For more info about Film Independent and Always Remember, visit our FAQ page.

You can also reach us directly at alwaysremember@filmindependent.org.
 

Accessibility

Film Independent is committed to hosting events that are accessible. For inquiries regarding accessibility, or to request an accommodation, please contact us at accessibility@filmindependent.org or 323 556 9305.