Millersville Screening a Phenomenal Success

On Wednesday, April 2 Misa's Fugue was screened as the opening event for the 33rd Conference on the Holocaust and Genocide at Millersville University. The Conference is one of the largest of its kind in the United States and the opening event was standing-room only. For Director Sean Gaston, this event was akin to a homecoming as MU is his alma mater. Gaston shares, "When I was a student here, I was unaware of the conference. Being asked to return as an alumni to share this film with such an amazing group is truly a privilege. I was also very excited to attend the lectures and panel discussions throughout the three day event."

This year's conference focused on "Resistance to the Holocaust and Genocide," a theme that is woven throughout Misa's Fugue. Following the screening, Gaston delivered a presentation on the making of the film and the impact that it has had on the students, community, and the wider world. He highlighted the donation of Vilma's letter to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, as well as the donation of the typed testimony of Kurt Grunwald via Loy Beardsmore in California. The importance of these documents was echoed by USHMM Senior Historian, Peter Black, who was in the audience that evening. Both Black and USHMM researcher Martin Dean had wonderful things to say about the film, calling it "among the best they have seen on the subject."

In addition to Gaston's presentation, audience members participated in a Q & A. The presentation and Q & A was the longest yet for the Misa's Fugue team - it lasted longer than the film itself! Gaston was excited to be a part of this event and said, "The feedback from those who have made a lifetime out of studying the Holocaust was incredible. I felt privileged to be amongst such fine company and was thrilled to share the film at this conference. We [Producer Jennifer Goss and I] are excited about the opportunities that will come from this event."