ABOUT THE FILM
2020 Phyllis Freed Sollod Memorial Program
Presented by UNC Asheville Center for Jewish Studies and the Fine Arts Theatre
with support from Carolina Jews for Justice, the Asheville Jewish Community Center, Congregation Beth Israel, and Congregation Beth Ha Tephila.
SAUL AND RUBY'S HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR BAND
A Film by Tod Lending
Like many survivors of the Holocaust, after World War II, Saul and Ruby moved to America, started families and careers, grew old, and retired to South Florida. For them, retirement could have been the last chapter in their story. But then they decided to start a klezmer band, named the Holocaust Survivor Band. The band summons the bittersweet memories of childhood in Poland, but more than that, it is a celebration of life. In this utterly heart-affecting and enthralling film, we follow Saul and Ruby’s musical journey, which begins in total obscurity, playing in residential homes for the elderly and small Jewish community organizations, to being invited to perform at venues across the country, including a coveted performance at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage. This unique and compelling story is about having the courage to live one’s dreams, finding purpose and meaning in life at any age, the transcendent power of music, and the importance of speaking out against anti-Semitism and bigotry.
This film includes graphic documentary footage from the Holocaust and as such may not be advisable for young children.