On the Edge, directed and introduced by Viliam Bendik

In April 2017, six ultrarunner friends decided to revive this important WWII story and run the authentic 170 km long journey of escape from Oswiecim (PL) to Zilina (SK). They run with belief, that the story of Vrba and Wetzler is still very timely today and must not be forgotten.

Chances for survival grow when you are not alone. This simple fact helped Rudolf Vrba and Alfred Wetzler during their escape from death camp Auschwitz - Birkenau. They succeeded in April 1944 and survived thanks to the selfless help of a few brave men and women on the route. After 11 days of exhausting journey they wrote a terrifying VRBA WETZLER REPORT about the real purpose of the Nazi concentration camps.

Viliam Bendík worked for twelve years in management positions in different international corporations. In 2013 he decided to leave it all and start again, this time in his own company. In his free time, he also took up amateur ultra-running as well as making documentaries. His movies received several awards on festivals both at home and worldwide and have been enjoyed by many viewers in different parts of the world. Currently, he is working within the Bendik Films brand on further interesting amateur movie projects, in Slovakia and abroad. Moving stories told as long distances on interesting routes are run remains their common theme.

Suggested donation: $15

The screening is part of a film series that features well-known and lesser-known films telling the stories of Czech and Slovak Jews in the turbulent 20th century. Each film is introduced and discussed by a film historian or other relevant expert.

The event is organized by the Society for the History of Czechoslovak Jews with support of Bohemian Benevolent and Literary Association, Consulate General of the Czech Republic and Slovak Consulate General in New York.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Bohemian National Hall, 321 East 73rd Street, New York, United States