From Philadelphia to the Front

FROM PHILADELPHIA TO THE FRONT
Ruth’s Reels & Archie’s Archives: From the Vaults
Directed by Marianne Bernstein and Judy Gelles

Sponsored by Ruth Perlmutter in loving memory
of Archie Perlmutter

Winner of the New Filmmakers Award at the 24^th Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival in 2005. Screened at the National Museum of American Jewish History.

Directed by former GPJFF Screening Committee members and photographers Marianne Bernstein and the late Judy Gelles, this artistic and affecting short documentary is the first to focus on Jewish-American World War II veterans. Homing in on six Philadelphia WWII vets – all in their 80s at the time of filming – we learn about the anti-Semitism Jewish-American soldiers experienced during the war and the impact the war had on the rest of their lives. In combining archival footage and images from the men’s photo collections, Marianne and Judy share moments of profound significance, such as Jewish soldiers celebrating Shabbat and Passover during wartime and the first Jewish service at Dachau after liberation.

One of the documentary’s most memorable subjects, Milton Dank – a noted physicist and historian who flew glider planes during the war – took hundreds of photographs from the front lines. Sometimes pictures tell the story better than words. Some of Milton’s photographs may have even fallen into this category. However, it was Milton’s testimony that truly brought his story to life.

When Judy uncovered her own father-in-law’s wealth of WWII photos and artifacts after his passing, she realized the importance of documenting the experiences of men like Sidney Gelles. These men never talked about the war and now they never would. Her discovery inspired her and Marianne to document stories like Sidney’s in FROM PHILADELPHIA TO THE FRONT.

Join us after the film for a discussion with co-director Marianne Bernstein on November 12, 6 PM EST.

Official Selection:

• Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival
• Miami Jewish Film Festival
• New York Jewish Film Festival
• San Francisco Jewish Film Festival
• Washington Jewish Film Festival

Awards:

• Best Documentary, Second Place | Annual Aarhus Film Festival
• Audience Award | Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival
• Best Documentary, Second Place and Audience Favorite Documentary Short | Palm Springs International Festival of Short Films
• New Filmmakers Award | Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival
• Best Documentary, Second Place | Warsaw Jewish Film Festival

Ticket buyers will receive a private link to the film after purchase which will activate November 12 at start time.