Watch Acclaimed Documentary A Film Unfinished Tonight on PBS

“A Film Unfinished , engages us, challenges us, and most importantly teaches us – not only about history, but about what we take for granted, and what we assume to be the truth.”  -Cinematical

After WWII, 60 minutes of raw film, having sat undisturbed in an East German archive, was discovered. Shot by the Nazis in Warsaw in May 1942, and labeled simply “Ghetto,” this footage quickly became a resource for historians seeking an authentic record of the Warsaw Ghetto. However, the later discovery of a long-missing reel, inclusive of multiple takes and cameramen staging scenes, complicated earlier readings of the footage.

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Tags: a film unfinished, germany, ghetto, history, Nazi, PBS, propaganda, warsaw, WWII

Recent Talkback About Independent Lens This Month

Always thought-provoking, sometimes controversial, Independent Lens brings you documentaries, dramas, shorts and Web-exclusive projects made by independent thinkers. Check out some of the recent Talkback from viewers about films airing this month.

STEAL A PENCIL FOR ME:

“This was such an uplifting and touching story of a love that was truly meant to be. Despite the horror they endured and not knowing if they would stay alive long enough have a future together, they found each other again. The love and affection that they have for each other, even after 60+ years of marriage, renews my faith in love.”
Posted by: Abby Borgman on May 28, 2009

“What a beautiful love story in the midst of so much sadness. The mother of a friend of mine survived a concentration camp and was one of the sweetest, gracious ladies I knew growing up. I was too young at the time to realize what she must have gone through to survive and still have such a positive outlook on life everyday. Thank you for a very moving and uplifting story.”
Posted by: Cathy Sweeney on May 27, 2009

“Very, very moving! Loved Ina and Jack. This film gave a very different and more personal prospective of the Holocaust.”
Posted by: Michele Merrill on May 27, 2009

View more Talkback and submit your own for STEAL A PENCIL FOR ME >>

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Tags: Andes, gangs, Nazi

Watch STEAL A PENCIL FOR ME Tonight on Independent Lens

They say, “Love conquers all.” Or at least that’s what Jack Polak thought while struggling for survival in a Nazi concentration camp. Jack, his wife Manja and his new love, Ina, all end up living in the same barracks. When Jack’s wife objects to the relationship, in spite of their unhappy marriage, Jack and Ina resort to writing secret love letters, which gives them the strength to survive. Academy Award-nominee Michele Ohayon (Colors Straight Up, 1997) tells this daring tale of unusual love, war and the human condition.

“Through their clandestine love letters, this inspiring documentary offers both a fascinating glimpse of a dark chapter in history and a touching love story,” The Week

Watch a preview below:

STEAL A PENCIL FOR ME airs tonight at 10:00 PM on Independent Lens on PBS (check local listings)

Tags: Nazi, online video