KINGSTON, R.I.- Oct. 17, 2016- When thinking of the Holocaust, people typically think of Eastern Europe and the struggles of their Jewish community. This fall, the Hillel Jewish Student Center at the University of Rhode Island is teaming up with URI’s Harrington School of Communication and Media and other co-sponsors to screen two films that offer a deeper look into the lesser-known communities affected by the Holocaust.

The series will start with the screening of Kisses to the Children Oct.19 at 6 p.m. and will end with of Oro Macht Frei Nov. 7, at 6:30 p.m., both in Swan Hall’s Doody Auditorium, 60 Upper College Road, on the Kingston Campus. The filmmakers will be available for conversations with the community on the topics and the creation of the films.

“Kisses to the Children,” written and directed by Greek filmmaker Vassillis Loules, explores the lives of five Greek-Jewish children saved by Christian families in occupied Greece during World War II. Now elderly, the five survivors relate their experiences of the war and their years in hiding.

“Oro Macht Frei” (Gold Will Set You Free) tells the story of the Nazi occupation of Rome and the theft of gold from the Jewish community by the Nazis. The film also deals with the controversial stance of the Vatican during the German occupation. The film’s writer and producer, Catherine Campbell and Holocaust scholar, Robert Weisbord, will speak following the screening on Nov. 7.

Tom Zorabedian, assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Harrington School and a faculty member of the film/media program, is eager to share the films with his students and community members.

“This series provides students with a special opportunity to meet with the filmmakers to gain keen insights into the filmmaking process, the stylistic choices, and the meaning and message in the films,” he said.

This multi-film event is free and open to all students and community members. For more information, please visit the University of Rhode Island Hillel website at http://www.urihillel.org.

Media Contact:
Josephine Maida
josephine.maida@gmail.com / (973) 309-0234

About Us: Hillel creates a warm and caring atmosphere where students are encouraged and empowered to explore Judaism in ways that are meaningful to them.  We offer a full array of social, cultural, religious, community service and Israel related programming, as well as leadership development opportunities.