The Thomas Edison FIlm Festival returns to the Secaucus Public Library to present a program of award-winning narrative and documentary films honoring Veterans' Day. The program includes a Q&A with festival director, Jane Steuerwald, and is free to the public.Film image courtesy of "Note of Defiance" – Documentary
15 min. by Brian Henderson, Greenbay, WI, USA
The films include:
Nisei – Narrative
21 min. by Darren Haruo Rae, Studio City, CA, USA
Based on stories from the filmmaker’s grandfather, “Nisei” follows the journey of two Japanese American brothers during World War II. Stripped of their citizenship and placed in internment camps, they volunteer for the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, an all-Japanese American unit that sacrificed everything to prove their loyalty to a country that didn’t want them. Torn between country and family, they must face the enemy overseas along with adversity at home.
Note of Defiance – Documentary
15 min. by Brian Henderson, Greenbay, WI, USA
Filmed in early 2023, on the Ukrainian/Russian border, “Note of Defiance” explores two artists' use of art as a means of cultural survival. In Kharkiv, Ukraine, attacks on civilian centers have forced cultural sites to close. The Kharkiv State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre is one of the biggest cultural sites in the city forced to close due to these attacks. These two featured performers provide concerts and lessons anywhere they can: from parking garages to bomb shelters.
13 Driver’s Licenses – Documentary
26 min. by Ryoya Terao, Tarrytown, NY and Germany
The discovery of 13 confiscated driver’s licenses from 1938 leads a small German town to face its horrendous and regrettable past. With no other clue but those licenses, a group of high–school students with their tenacious teacher, uncover the fates of the town's former Jewish citizens.
This program was made possible through the generous support of the Hudson County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs & Tourism, Gina Hulings, Director.
Event Venue
Secaucus Public Library and Business Resource Center, 1379 Paterson Plank Rd,Secaucus,NJ,United States
