Exodus 1947

Description

Cine Golden Eagle Silver Apple Award – National Educational Media Network

Educational Screenings

Northwestern University Libraries

“The very model of a meticulous yet exciting step-by-step account of a major historical event.” -The Los Angeles Times

“An emotionally powerful account.” -The Hollywood Reporter

Synopsis

After World War II, a group of private American citizens banded together in a clandestine effort to transport Holocaust survivors to Palestine.

On July 11, 1947, in the port of Sête, France, 4,500 Jewish refugees were crammed into the hull of a decrepit steamship, later named Exodus 1947.

A British blockade intercepted Exodus 1947 in international waters off the coast of Palestine. The tense standoff culminated in a direct attack by military personnel against the unarmed civilians on the Exodus 1947. This highly publicized international incident heavily influenced the United Nations resolution authorizing the partitioning of Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states. Thus, the Exodus 1947 voyage acted as a catalyst in forming a new nation. The program focuses on clandestine and illegal American efforts to finance and crew the most infamous of ten American ships that attempted to bring Jewish refugees to Palestine.

EXODUS 1947 is a one hour documentary narrated by Morley Safer with a score by Ilan Rechtman. The film is a richly layered program, constructed with first person accounts to recall events that shaped world history.

Director

Robby Henson began his directing career at Tisch School of the Arts at New York University. Henson is now a skilled film and documentary maker. He writes and directs all his films, which are known for being character-driven. His work has attracted such acclaimed actors Billy Bob Thornton, Patricia Arquette, Patricia Clarkson, Chris Cooper, William DeVane and Kris Kristofferson. Beyond his work in film, Henson is also a prolific theater director.

Elizabeth Rodgers has been writing professionally since 1992. She has written screenplays and teleplays for Carsey-Werner, Paramount Pictures, Showtime Television and Robert Evans Company, among others. Elizabeth has been writing about technology for families (read: Moms) for websites and magazines since 2004. Evolving from that niche, Elizabeth has become an avid travel writer – to support her skiing habit and copywriter – to support her living habit.