Last week we attended the New York premiere of “NANA” – a transgenerational documentary presented by Dyamant Pictures at the Museum of Jewish Heritage.
The film, directed by 24 year old Serena Dykman, documented her journey with her mother Alice retracing her grandmother’s Auschwitz survival story, and investigates how her lifelong fight against intolerance can continue to be taught to the new generations, against the backdrop of current events.
Maryla Michalowski-Dyamant, Dykman’s grandmother, born in Poland, survived Ravensbruck, Malchow, and Auschwitz, where she was the forced translator of the “Angel of Death”, Dr. Mengele. She dedicated her post-war life to publicly speaking of her survival to the young generations, so that it would never be forgotten or repeated. Alice and Serena, her daughter and granddaughter, explored how Maryla’s activism and crucial message can continue today.
“Premiering in New York at the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust was a great honor, and the response from the audience – who gave us a standing ovation, was beyond our greatest expectations. The Museum is a true embodiment of its name. It is indeed a living memorial, as we saw last night that my grandmother’s words, personality and message of remembrance and tolerance are still very much alive and relevant today. It was heartwarming to share NANA with descendants of survivors, as well as people of all ages and backgrounds,” said Serena Dykman. “Nana becomes everyone’s grandmother, making them laugh and cry, and most importantly, think. My Nana, in some way, becomes everyone’s grandmother, and inspires them to take action, to relate her story and activism to their own lives and current socio-political situation. We are incredibly grateful to the Museum and Young Friends of the Museum for making the NANA New York premiere a night we will never forget, and ensuring that the Holocaust will never be forgotten.”
The film will be screening next as part of the Lower East Side Film Festival, Tuesday June 13 at 8pm at Sunshine Cinemas.
