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.

Always Remember concludes in November with a reminder that, while this particular screening series is coming to an end, the remembrance and memorialization of Holocaust victims, heroes and survivors continues on. This month’s program is split into documentary and narrative sections. The narrative shorts include the films listed below, and will be followed by a pre-recorded conversation with filmmakers Rita Basulto, Michael Masarof and Mickey Rapkin, moderated by Academy Award-winning director Guy Nattiv.
 

The Anne Frank Gift Shop

When a high-end design firm presents its plans to reimagine the gift shop at The Anne Frank House, the company’s overt appeal to Generation Z sparks a debate about collective trauma, the Holocaust and tote bags.

The Anne Frank Gift Shop was shortlisted for the 2024 Academy Award for Best Live Action Short. It premiered at L.A. Shorts in 2023, and won the Film Movement Award at the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival and a completion grant from JFI.

 
2023, 15 minutes | Written & Directed by Mickey Rapkin | Produced by Noam Dromi, Greg Zekowski | Executive Produced by David Katznelson, Jane Sinisi, Mickey Rapkin | Main Cast Ari Graynor, Chris Perfetti, Kate Burton, Jason Butler Harner, Mary Beth Barone, Josh Meyers
 

Humo

Through stop motion animation, Humo tells the story of Daniel, a young boy who travels by train towards a dark destination. His helplessness in the face of the horrors of war showcases the brutal contrast between the innocence of a child and the flaws of humanity that have turned him into a despondent passenger in his own life.

The film was shortlisted for the 96th Academy Awards, and played at the Annecy International Film Festival, Raindance, HollyShorts, Guadalajara International Film Festival and Morelia Film Festival.

12 minutes | Directed by Rita Basulto | Produced by Juan J. Medina, Rita Basulto, Mariana Mendez, Marc Pannia
 

The Woman from Hamburg

A young woman takes shelter in the closet of a Polish couple in 1943, and two generations of women’s lives are forever altered.

The film played at the DC International Film Festival and Lighthouse International Film Festival.

 
2024, 28 minutes | Written & Directed by Michael Masarof | Produced by Sharon Barnes, Michael Masarof | Executive Produced by Richard Paddor | Main Cast Einat Holland, Jenette Goldstein, Casey Killoran, Timothy Sekk, Samantha Sherman
 

Registration Information

Film Independent Members and the general public can register for this event starting at 6:00 pm PT on Sunday, October 13. | 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

We’re proud to present The Commandant’s Shadow with the option for audio description. Before viewing the film, please set up your browser, TV or device following Vision Media’s instructions. When it’s time to watch the film, you’ll be ready to go.

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.