The Logline: A Shabat dinner takes a dark turn when the bride’s grandmother recognizes the groom’s grandfather - a revelation that traces back to him being a former Nazi.

The Plot: Set in 2005, in the suburbs of New York, Liz and Otto, a soon-to-be-married couple, prepare for a memorable Shabbat surrounded by the warmth of their families. However, the peaceful atmosphere is disrupted when conversations between the two grandparents, Sarah and Edward, turn to Nazi Germany. Soon after, Edward’s birthmark catches Sarah’s eye, revealing his dark past as a Nazi back in Hungary. The story goes back and forth between 1940 and 2005. Following Sarah’s journey while questioning if she should or should not tell her family what she discovered.

‘Hayim’ brings together a collection of moments that co-exist to pose a moral dilemma to the audience. A simple yet frightening question: what would you do? The story, while showcasing a strong dramatic theme, also calls for human natural survival instincts and questions our own identity.

My grandmother, Alice, was a Holocaust survivor. Although the film’s plot is fictional, the protagonist “Sarah” is based on her. The story is seen through Sarah as she delves into her memories and confronts the present challenges. My more significant impact will be telling a story that honors my grandmother’s identity. To be able to show her strength and, overall, her survival means fixing a scar that has been within me for years. 

‘Hayim’ means life in Hebrew. This story will impact our community by raising awareness of Jewish life, identity, and core family values. It is how we act in the most challenging scenarios that demonstrate who we are. 

2005: 

1940’s:

We will use the money from your donations to help us make this project come true! 

THANK YOU!

Our whole team thanks you for allowing us to make this possible! We appreciate your support and interest in our story. We cannot thank you enough for your contribution! 

CONTACT US:

Email: hayimbfa@gmail.com

Instagram: @hayim_bfa