A tribute to Danish heroism 80 years later
The Historic Documentary Film Society will honour the 80th anniversary of the Danish Heroism of 1943 through a special screening of a poignant film.
The Historic Documentary Film Society invites the community to the screening of Across the Waters in honour of the 80th anniversary of the Danish Heroism in 1943.
To make this all happen, the society worked together with seniors club, Second Innings, as well as the Johannesburg Holocaust and Genocide Centre. Among its attendees will be the guest of honour, Her Excellency Ambassador of Denmark to South Africa, Elsebeth Søndergaard Krone.
The screening, which will take place at Saxonwold-based Ditsong National Museum of Military History, follows popular Jewish jazz musician, Arne Itkin, his wife and their five-year-old son prepare to hastily leave for the safety of Swedish shores. Who can be trusted, however, when the Gestapo and Danish collaborators are at their heels?
This movie is described by the society as one that accurately evokes, with stellar performances by leading Danish actors, exceptional photography and scoring, a timeless reflection of heroism at its most poignant. The film was specially sourced by the Royal Danish Embassy, and will be in Danish with English subtitles, which serves to authenticate its dramatisation in the plight of a young Danish couple and their son set against the traumatic occupation of Denmark.
For one of the society’s co-founders, Selwyn Klass, this honouring of the Danish heroism is one close to his heart as it was started by his father years ago. Now, every five years since its 60th anniversary, Klass has made sure to live up to what his father began. “I just think that what Dad did was a wonderful gesture in keeping with the selflessness of the Danish community,” he said.
Klass recounted how for the 70th anniversary they had screened the film Miracle at Midnight at the same venue. He was also invited to a private dinner at the Danish Embassy by an ambassador at the time who also asked Klass to introduce the event and set the scene, which he thought to be a very special request.
When: Wednesday, November 8
Where: Ditsong National Museum of Military History
Time: 09:30 for 10:00
Cost: R130, includes a delicious tea
Details: Selwyn Klass on 082 603 3214.
Related Article:
