Watch I Was a Child of Holocaust Survivors

I Was a Child of Holocaust Survivors is a 2010 documentary film directed by Ann Marie Fleming and based on the graphic memoir of the same name by Bernice Eisenstein. The film explores the experience of growing up as a child of Holocaust survivors and the intergenerational trauma that can manifest in the offspring of trauma survivors.

The film is a deeply personal exploration of the effects of the Holocaust on the survivors and their children. Bernice Eisenstein, the author of the graphic memoir upon which the film is based, serves as the film's narrator and guide. She speaks candidly about her own experiences growing up in a family with two parents who were both Holocaust survivors.

Through interviews with other children of Holocaust survivors, the film examines the ways in which trauma can be passed down from generation to generation. The children of survivors often grew up with a sense of displacement and disconnection from their parents, as the survivors themselves struggled to come to terms with the atrocities they had experienced.

The film also explores the ways in which the children of survivors have found their own ways of coping with the legacy of the Holocaust. Some have turned to art, as Eisenstein herself did when she created her graphic memoir. Others have become activists, working to promote Holocaust education and awareness.

Throughout the film, Eisenstein's art is used to illustrate her stories and those of the other interview subjects. Her hand-drawn images are poignant and emotive, adding an extra layer of depth and meaning to the film.

One of the film's most powerful themes is the idea that the trauma of the Holocaust is not something that can be easily erased or overcome. Even as survivors and their children attempt to move on and build new lives, the legacy of the Holocaust remains a part of their identity.

Despite the heavy subject matter, the film is not without moments of levity and humor. Eisenstein's sharp wit and self-deprecating humor provide a welcome counterbalance to the weight of the film's subject matter.

Overall, I Was a Child of Holocaust Survivors is a moving and thought-provoking exploration of the intergenerational effects of trauma. Through interviews, animation, and artwork, the film offers a unique and personal perspective on one of the defining events of the 20th century. It is a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the long-term impacts of trauma and the ways in which individuals and communities can heal from the wounds of the past.

I Was a Child of Holocaust Survivors is a 2010 animated movie with a runtime of 15 hours. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.