Sunday, 2 March 2025, 3:00 p.m. EST
Center for Jewish History, 15 W 16th Street, New York, NY 10011
Bau, Artist at War is based on the true love story of Joseph and Rebecca Bau, whose wedding took place in secret in the Plaszow concentration camp during the Holocaust. Using his artistic skills and sense of humour in the camps, Joseph manages to stay alive and ultimately helps hundreds to escape. Years later, when called to be a key witness in the trial of the brutal Nazi officer who tortured him and killed his father, he was thrust back into vivid memories of the Holocaust. The screening will be followed by a conversation with film director Sean McNamara, writer/producer Deborah Smerecnik and Rebecca and Joseph Bau¡¯s daughters Clila and Hadasa Bau, moderated by CEO of B¡¯nai B¡¯rith International, Daniel S. Mariaschin.
The screening of Bau, Artist at War is organized by the Holocaust and the United Nations Outreach Programme, together with the Center for Jewish History, as part of the film series Holocaust History on Film: Anne Frank and Beyond in connection with .
Speakers
Deborah Smerecnik spent 14 years developing and producing Bau, Artist at War. A graduate of Scripps College, Smerecnik was deeply inspired by the Bau family's story. This project has profoundly impacted her, instilling a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to bring the Bau¡¯s journey to life.
Clila Bau Cohen is a lecturer and performer. Hadasa Bau is an actress, singer, songwriter, lecturer and graphic artist. They both serve as managers of the Joseph Bau House, a museum focusing on the life and work of Joseph Bau.
Daniel S. Mariaschin is the CEO of B¡¯nai B¡¯rith International. He directs and supervises B¡¯nai B¡¯rith programmes, activities and staff around the world, and is the spokesman for B¡¯nai B¡¯rith.