Oscar-winning filmmaker’s Holocaust heroes documentary to premiere in Hollywood
Documentary made in association with Jewish News follows Jonny Daniels’ journey to meet Holocaust rescuers
A new Holocaust documentary made in association with Jewish News is set to have its world premiere in Hollywood next month.
The Righteous Road Trip, an original short documentary produced and directed by Oscar and Emmy-winning filmmaker Vanessa Roth, will premiere at the Dances With Films festival on 22 June at TCL Chinese Theatres in Los Angeles.
The 40-minute film follows British-Israeli humanitarian Jonny Daniels and his dog Tyson on a 3,000-kilometre winter journey through Poland, Slovakia and Hungary to visit some of the final surviving “Righteous Among the Nations” – non-Jews recognised for risking their lives to save Jewish families during the Holocaust.
Jewish News co-publisher Justin Cohen is among the film’s producers and creators alongside Daniels and Holocaust educator Stephen D. Smith.
Blending observational footage with animation, the documentary captures Daniels travelling in a van decorated with Christmas lights and festive gifts as he visits rescuers now in their nineties and over 100 years old.
The filmmakers said the documentary aims to preserve the stories of the remaining rescuers at a time of rising global antisemitism and increasing concern about the loss of living Holocaust testimony.
Roth said: “As I travelled with Jonny into the homes of the last remaining Righteous Among Nations, who risked their lives for their friends, neighbours and strangers; I was profoundly aware that time is running out to hear and share their stories while they are still with us.
“And while each of their experience is unique, they are all rooted in one belief – that no human life is more valuable than another.
“I hope this film reminds us that we each have the capacity within us to choose humanity over hatred, and compassion over fear.”
According to the production team, only around 65 recognised “Righteous Among the Nations” are still alive today.
The documentary is presented in English, Polish, Hungarian and Hebrew with English subtitles.
Other production partners include From the Depths, 18Reflections and Memory Workers. Executive producers include philanthropist Eitan Neishlos and Jonathan Zlotolow.
Roth’s previous work has appeared on Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO and National Geographic, with much of her filmmaking focused on social justice, Holocaust memory and underreported human stories.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
