The Future Shapes the Past
Written, Directed, and Produced by Bryan Felber
Focusing on the history of Jews in the Czech Lands, The Future Shapes the Past is a feature documentary examining the role of Holocaust memory in politics and international relations.
It begins at the turn of the century with Hilsneriád: the antisemitic media campaign accompanying the murder trials of Leopold Hilsner. At the same time, rapid assimilation sees the enormous contribution of Jews to Czech society.
Short clip featuring Polná historian Jan Prchal who explains the origins of the Hilsner affair.
But hopes are stolen and communities shattered as Jews find themselves trapped in the center of the largest state-sponsored pogrom in history.
During the Communist era, Holocaust memory is suppressed along with everything else. But after the Cold War, it becomes a common language among European nations.
The fragmented past is pieced together into memorials, initiatives, and learning centers. But is it enough to combat ongoing antisemitism? As survivor Tomáš Radil said, “The Holocaust can be repeated – in a different way, in a different place.”
For more information, email bryan@steelantproductions.com