HOW SABA KEPT SINGING - SARA TAKSLER INTERVIEW
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Hot Docs is full of inspiring films, but How Saba Kept Singing is one that infuses love, humor and music to tell the horrific life story of a Holocaust survivor.
How Saba Kept Singing makes its world premiere at this year’s Hot Docs festival. The film revolves around 94 year old David Wisnia, who never told his wife, children or grandchildren in Levittown, Pennsylvania, the whole truth about how he survived Auschwitz-Birkenau. They knew that his singing voice had entertained the SS guards, that his musical gift had changed his fate, but no one knew what, or who, gave him the will to live. We soon discover that because of a secret a love affair with another prisoner his life was spared.
Accompanying David on a trip to Poland, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the camp's liberation, grandson Avi learns about Helen "Zippi" Spitzer. A talented artist whose scale model of the camp earned her privileges, Zippi was able to orchestrate their encounters and keep them safe. They promised to find each other if they survived, but the war intervened. Over 70 years later, they reunite, sharing unimaginable memories and even more startling secrets in this moving testament to the life-giving power of music.
The film is executive produced by Hillary Rodham Clinton and Chelsea Clinton and directed, written and produced by Sara Taksler who spent 12 years working with Jon Stewart on The Daily Show.
Hot Docs Festival is in-cinemas across Toronto and streaming nationwide April 28 to May 8 via https://hotdocs.ca/festivals/hot-docs-festival. The world premiere will be on Sun. May 1 (2:30 pm) followed by showings Fri. May 6 (11 am), Sun. May 8 (2 pm) at TIFF Bell Lightbox.
The film starts with David preparing for his return to Auschwitz-Birkenau for a 70th anniversary. Traveling with his grandson and musical partner, Avi, David reveals some unshared stories about his survival journey. Throughout his lifetime, he selectively shared details about his war experience, mentioning that his gifted singing voice provided him with unique privileges that aided in his survival.
Sara Taksler, Filmmaker
Instead of a filmmaker Q&A at the festival's premiere screening on May 1, the grandson of David Wisnia, Avi Wisnia , will be giving a special performance at the screening.
I spoke with Sara Taksler about working on this project, getting to know David Wisnia and why this is an absolute must see film for all generations.
World Premiere Hot Docs screening
Sunday, May 1, 2022 @ 2:30 pm ET at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1
Additional festival screenings as follows:
Friday, May 6, 2022 @ 11:00 am ET at TIFF Bell Lightbox 2
Sunday, May 8, 2022 @ 2:00 pm ET at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1