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July 2, 1997 Dear Friend: The horrors of the Second World War and the Holocaust have haunted our memories for decades. Millions of Jews lost their lives. The stories that document their deaths and the inspiring courage of those who survived continue to emerge, each so personal, each universal. Jessica Mendels, former Director of Photography for the Gomez Gallery, left us just a year ago to undertake her own documentary film project on the subject of the Holocaust. 29monthsinexile is Jessica's own story because her paternal grandparents fled Paris to the French countryside and survived through the generosity and bravery of many. Her father Franklin was born during their exile. I cannot describe how moving I have found Jessica's interviews with the survivors that record their memories of this talk of French resistance. Jessica has made remarkable progress in gaining financial support for this worthwhile project and has completed a production quality trailer for the film. She has several consultants on the project, including renowned Holocaust historian Dr. Michael Marrus; Dr. Ori Soltes, Director and Curator of the B'nai B'rith Klutznick National Jewish Museum in Washington DC; Professor David Yager, Chair of the Visual Arts Department and Executive Director of the Fine Arts Gallery at University of Maryland Baltimore County; and Marc Steiner, Baltimore public radio personality on WJHU. Much work remains. Jessica continues to seek production underwriting from major foundations, but I have encouraged her to broaden her efforts and have offered to help. That is the reason I am writing to you today. Please join us for afternoon tea at the Gomez Gallery, Sunday, July 27, 1997 at 3:00 PM to hear how you can be a part of this unique yet universal documentary film. Jessica will share with us the details of her family's story of survival and her plans to preserve the memories of the witnesses to this horrific period in world history. In her writing about the film, Jessica has said "there is an increasingly urgent need for this story and others like it to be documented and shared, as more survivors and witnesses are nearing the end of their lives. Documenting the past is a powerful measure against forgetting our collective history." Come learn what Jessica has discovered about what it takes to focus your life on something so intensely personal that it demands to be shared. 29monthsinexile is sponsored by Maryland Arts Place. There are many ways that an individual can make a difference. Join us and find out how you can help. Please return the enclosed RSVP card by July 19. All donations are tax deductible. Sincerely. Walter Gomez |
29 Months in Exile Copyright © 1997-2005 Nathaniel Bornstein and Jessica Mendels.