The latest Humanity in Action film series is Traces: Portraits of Resistance, Survival and Resolve, a new animated documentary trilogy. Co-produced by Irene Braam and Humanity in Action’s Executive Director Judith Goldstein, it includes the films Voices in the Void, Two Trees in Jerusalem and My Father’s War.
“All extremely affecting films that will definitely stay with us … They are beautifully made and important testimonies.” Jess Gormley, Executive Producer Documentaries, Guardian News & Media
In the face of unfathomable horror, fleeting moments of bravery and generosity remind us of our capacity for courage and compassion
Seventy-seven years after the fall of Nazi Germany, the Holocaust stands as a staggering crime against humanity, and the world continues to grapple with the deep void of the six million souls lost. Yet, in the face of unfathomable horror, fleeting moments of bravery and generosity remind us of our capacity for courage and compassion even under the most harrowing circumstances.
Trace = Vestige, sign, mark, indication, suggestion, evidence, clue, remains, remnant, relic, survival, ghost, echo, memory. [Oxford Dictionary]
As we push deeper into the 21st century, humanity faces an inflection point: the last survivors and witnesses of the Holocaust and the Second World War leave us, taking with them their personal memories of one of humanity’s darkest chapters. It is incumbent upon us to safeguard their stories and lessons learned at such tremendous expense.
The Traces trilogy brings three such histories to life and to new audiences. Developed by an international team of documentarians, researchers and animators, the trilogy preserves these critical stories for future generations.
All films are available in English with subtitles in English, German, Polish, Hebrew, Russian and Ukrainian.
Two Trees in Jerusalem is also available in a German version and Voices in the Void is available in Danish, both narrated by the protagonists themselves.
Learn more about the films
“Having seen all three, I can only marvel at how well animation fits this subject matter. Before seeing them, I wouldn’t have guessed that approach would work, but the style makes the material warm and poignant and personal. Usually the Holocaust is dealt with in shocking black-and-white newsreel footage and the sense of horror can make one feel numb and helpless. The animated stories bring the sweeping history down to street level and thereby highlight the individual choices that people make… Endless stories to tell and each one has such unique features.” Historian Ron Chernow
Join film events and talks
Museum of Jewish Heritage Organizes Screening of the "Traces" animated trilogy on September 18
The Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York and Humanity in Action are proud to invite you to a special online screening of the animated short trilogy, ‘Traces: Portraits of Resistance, Survival and Resolve, followed by a talk and Q&A.
'My Father's War' Premiere & Talk
The 5th of May marks a significant date for our past and present Dutch society. Every year on Liberation Day, we celebrate our valuable, not self-evident, freedom. On this special day, Humanity in Action with support from Theater Na De Dam is pleased to announce the Dutch premiere of ‘My Father's War’. The event takes place at Lab111, on May 5, 18:30.
Film Talk: Amrai Coen in conversation with Cornelia Schmalz-Jacobsen and Peter & David Hein
Humanity in Action is happy to invite you to a special Film Talk: Amrai Coen (Die Zeit) in conversation with Cornelia Schmalz-Jacobsen (Two Trees in Jerusalem) and Peter & David Hein (My Father's War).
Watch the film trailers
See selected film stills
Get a first glimpse into the stories through selected images featured on IMDB.
Organize a screening and access educational resources
Two Trees in Jerusalem: Educational Materials, Resources, and Inspirations
On this page you will find a variety of educational tools and resources to enrich the viewing experience of the film "Two Trees in Jerusalem" in your classroom.
My Father's War: Educational Materials, Resources, and Inspirations
On this page you find a variety of educational tools and resources to enrich the viewing experience of the film "My Father's War" in your classroom or in a non-formal educational setting.
Learn about recent festival selections
Humanity in Action's Two Trees in Jerusalem selected for the Miami Jewish Film Festival
We are thrilled to announce that our animated short film "Two Trees in Jerusalem" is an official selection for the esteemed Miami Jewish Film Festival. The festival will take place between January 13-27 2022.
Humanity in Action's Voices in the Void selected for LA Shorts International Film Festival
We are thrilled to announce that our animated short film "Voices in the Void" is an official selection for the American LA Shorts International Film Festival. This year, the program was available online, streaming on demand virtually from July 1 to July 31.
Humanity in Action's My Father's War selected for AmDocs Film Festival
We are thrilled to announce that Humanity in Action's animated short film "My Father's War" was officially selected to have its World Premiere at the esteemed American Documentary and Animation Film Festival.
Download the films' press kits
Related Content
Civil Society and the Holocaust: International Perspectives on Resistance and Rescue
In 2013, Humanity in Action Denmark held a conference in Copenhagen to mark the 70th anniversary of the flight and rescue of Danish Jewry. This book was published in association with the “October 1943” conference. The anthology examines how European societies dealt with the knowledge of the Nazi persecution of Jews in very different ways before, during and after the Holocaust.
Reflections on the Holocaust
The first book published by Humanity in Action, Reflections on the Holocaust is a collection of essays from Humanity in Action Fellows, Senior Fellows, Board members and lecturers from 1997 to 2010.
Educational Resources for the Traces Trilogy
Our Partners and Supporters
We are grateful to our generous supporters for their trust in our multimedia approach to remembrance.
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