B’nai Sholom to Screen Inspirational Drama “The Samuel Project”

B’nai Sholom Reform Congregation in Albany will present a screening of “The Samuel Project,” a powerful story about one teen’s discovery of the heroism within his own family history when he chooses his grandfather, played by Hal Linden, as the subject of his senior art project.

“The Samuel Project” will be shown Saturday, Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m. at B’nai Sholom, 420 Whitehall Road, Albany, New York.  Refreshments will be available.  Suggested contribution: $5.

Eli (Ryan Ochoa) gets to know his grandfather Samuel (Linden) for the first time when he makes his grandpa the subject of an animated art project for school.  With dreams of becoming a professional artist, the high school senior discovers that his grandfather, a Jewish dry cleaner, was heroically saved from Nazi capture in Germany by a young woman when he was a boy.  After hesitating, Samuel agrees to tell his story for the project – a story he hasn’t told in more than 75 years.  Particularly relevant today, the film explores the use of art to tell a story of generations coming together and preserving the history of an individual, a Holocaust survivor who kept his painful story secret, even from those he loved.

Released in 2017, director Marc Fusco’s heartwarming drama is both inspirational and evocative, conveying how love of family can make a difference in one’s outlook on life.  Winner of the “Audience Award (Best Narrative Feature)” at the 2018 Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival, the 92-minute film is rated PG-13.

Film and image provided by Menemsha Films.

For more information, visit www.bnaisholomalbany.org or contact the B’nai Sholom office: 518-482-5283 or office@bnaisholom.albany.ny.us.  

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