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 Love It Was Not, followed by a pre-recorded conversation with writer/director Maya Sarfaty, moderated by Hilla Medalia (film producer).

In October, Always Remember asks, what do you do after your world shatters? Love It Was Not is a fascinating and complex story about a Jewish prisoner who caught the attention of an SS guard. Flamboyant and full of life, Helena is taken to Auschwitz as a young woman. Franz Wünsch, a high-ranking SS officer, falls in love with her and her magnetic singing voice. Defying any conventional romantic simplification, this is no story of star-crossed lovers. Instead, the film examines the idea of unimaginable choices and the boundaries of compassion. When a letter arrives from Wünsch’s wife 30 years later begging Helena to testify on his behalf, she’s faced with an impossible decision: will she help the man who brutalized so many lives, but saved hers?

Alissa Simon of Variety writes, “the result of long years of research, Love It Was Not is remarkable not only for its unusual central story and unique creative execution, but also for its extensive eyewitness testimonies.”

 
2020, 89 minutes, color, black and white, English, German, Hebrew | Written and directed by Maya Sarfaty | Starring Helena Citron, Roza Citron, Franz Wunsch | Produced by Kurt Langbain, Nir Sa’ar
 

Registration Information

Film Independent Members and the general public can register for this event starting at 2:00 pm PT on Thursday, August 22. | 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.