Spain, 2017, 96 min, Dir. Silvia Quer, Not Rated, Spanish, Catalan, French with English subtitles
The Light of Hope
North American Premiere - Monday, 1/15 at 2:00 pm
The Light of Hope is the harrowingly true story of Elisabeth Eidenbenz, awarded the status of Righteous among the Nations by the Government of Israel in 2002 for her role as founder of the Mothers of Elne, which saved the lives of hundreds of Jewish mothers and children along with other refugees during the Second World War. In the early 1940's, refugees from all over Europe sought shelter as they attempted to escape persecution by the Nazis and Franco's regime in Spain. Among them, there were countless Jewish women and their little children. The refugee camps were in horrendous condition with no protection from the cold, leaving many women and children dying from malnutrition or disease. Appalled by the situation, Elisabeth decided to convert an abandoned mansion in Elne into a maternity home and provide the refugees safety and shelter. In so doing, she saves their lives from certain death and hides them from their Nazi persecutors. Despite the surrounding hardship, the villa becomes a safe haven filled with the laughter of children. Soon, however, Gestapo agents grow suspicious of her and demand she hand over all Jewish refugees and their children or be imprisoned. Elisabeth, the mothers, and their supporters will do everything in their power to prevent it.
The best of international cinema returns to Miami when the Miami Jewish Film Festival (MJFF) takes over the city for its milestone 21st year, bringing more than 60 films from 20 countries, and hosting 50 filmmakers and special guests. The largest Jewish cultural event in Florida, and the third largest Jewish film festival in the world, takes place this year over 13 days from January 11-25.
Tickets to MJFF screenings are available for purchase online or at the Gables Cinema box office.
General Admission – $13.00
Students & Seniors – $12.00 (with valid ID)
Gables Cinema Members & MJFF Members – $10.00
Check out the rest of our Miami Jewish Film Festival program!