In commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the rescue of the Danish Jews, Scandinavia House is screening Across the Waters, a gripping story of survival and rescue following a frantic escape from Nazi-occupied Denmark.
Enjoying the nightlife of 1943 Copenhagen, jazz guitarist Arne Itkin is seemingly immune to the hardships of war, as the Danish government opts for a compliant relationship with Nazi Germany. And though his wife Miriam is afraid when she begins to hear rumors of the roundup and deportation of Danish Jews, he is initially skeptical. But then an overnight raid forces the couple to flee their home with their five-year-old son Jakob — and, aided by a church pastor and underground resistance, they set out on a journey to the fishing village of Gilleleje, where refugees await passage to Sweden by boat. Amidst lurking danger from the Gestapo and their collaborators, the family puts its fate in the hands of strangers whose allegiance and motives are not always clear.
Based on true events, Across the Waters is directed and co-written by Nicolo Donato, whose own grandfather was among the courageous Danish fisherman to ferry war refugees to safety.
About the director
Nicolo Donato (born October 10, 1974) is a Danish film director. He trained at various schools, including Testrup Højskole, two schools of photography, and the National Film School of Denmark; the latter included a master class with William Esper. Donato has worked on music videos for Danish rapper Clemens, Moi Caprice and The Raveonettes and has made several short films. His short film Togetherness (2006) was screened at Cannes Film Festival, and was nominated at Seoul International Film Festival for Best International Film.
Donato’s feature film debut Broderskab (Brotherhood) won the Golden Marc’Aurelio Jury Award for Best Film at the International Rome Film Festival 2009.
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1543609800
WED—November 28—7 PM & FRI—November 30—6:30 PM
$12 ($7 ASF Members)
95 min. In Danish with English subtitles.