Misa's Fugue Screens Three Times in Central PA

Central Pennsylvania played host to Misa's Fugue three times during the week of November 9. The film screened first at Temple Beth El in Lancaster, PA on Sunday, November 9. This screening was fitting as it took place on the 76th Anniversary of the Kristallnacht pogrom. Director Sean Gaston led a post film presentation on the making of the film to a large crowd of over 200 attendees. He reports, "The Jewish community and larger public in Lancaster was very welcoming. I enjoyed fielding many questions about the film and its creation on an important date in Holocaust history."

Gaston traveled later that week, on Thursday, November 13, to Messiah College where Visiting Professor of Humanities Jack Fischel, a major advocate for the film, shared his thoughts:

"I viewed 'Misa's Fugue' for the fourth time last night at Messiah. The screening was presented before Messiah students, faculty and members of Harrisburg's Jewish Federation. Since I teach two sections of the Holocaust at Messiah, I 'urged' my students to attend. After the viewing, I surveyed [them] for their reaction. Without exception, they thought it was a moving documentary with some admitting that they had tears as Frank's story unfolded. This did not surprise me because after viewing the film many times before, I, too, was again,moved to tears. I also spoke to a number of the guests of the college who responded likewise, that the film was an emotional experience and should be viewed in as many academic venues as possible.

As someone who not only teaches the Holocaust but has also written/edited nine book on the Shoah, I consider 'Misa's Fugue' among the number of indispensable documentaries on the Holocaust, and itdeserves all the attention that it has already received." Fischel is also an Emeritus Professor of History of Millersville University.

The following night, the film was screened again in the Harrisburg Metro area - this time at Carlisle High School at an event organized by History teacher, Kevin Wagner. Wagner shared feedback from one of his colleagues after the event: From a teacher in our department: "Once we got into the car, my husband said, 'I think that may be one of the best documentaries I've ever seen.' I agree!" A parent also noted, "We all want to send our deep appreciation for you [Wagner] bringing that amazing documentary to CHS. It touched us deeply on so many levels as it inspired and transformed."

The successful week was a whirlwind for Gaston with three successful screenings. As an added bonus, on Tuesday, Gaston and Producer Jennifer Goss led a joint fieldtrip of 61 students to Washington, DC to explore the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. The duo capped off the trip with participation in the Concert for Valor, an event that was organized by Misa's Fugue supporter Gary Goetzman and his partner in Playtone Productions, Tom Hanks.