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A poignant story of two young children who grew up in pre-WWII Czechoslovakia and the life-changing events that they endured just because they happened to be born Jewish. Based on the internationally acclaimed book "Hana's Suitcase" which has been translated into 40 languages, the film is an effective blend of documentary and dramatic techniques. In addition to tracing the lives of George and Hana Brady in the 1930's and 40's, "Inside Hana's Suitcase" tells the present-day story of "The Small Wings", a group of Japanese children, and how their passionate and tenacious teacher, Fumiko Ishioka, helped them solve the mystery of Hana Brady, whose name was painted on an old battered suitcase that they received from Auschwitz, the notorious Nazi death camp built in Poland. The film's plot unfolds as told through contemporary young storytellers who act as the omniscient narrators. They seamlessly transport us through 70 years of history and back and forth across three continents, and relate to us a story of unspeakable sadness and also of shining hope. For this is a Holocaust story unlike others. It provides a contemporary global perspective and lessons to be learned for a better future. Directed by award-winning filmmaker, Larry Weinstein, "Inside Hana's Suitcase" is a powerful journey full of mystery and memories, brought to life through the first-hand perspectives of Fumiko, Hana's brother George, and of Hana herself.


Sponsored by EBIJFF in partnership with East Bay Holocaust Education Center.

  • Year
    2009
  • Runtime
    93 minutes
  • Language
    English, Czech, Japanese
  • Country
    Canada, Czech Republic, Germany
  • Director
    Larry Weinstein
  • Screenwriter
    Karen Levine, Thomas Wallner
  • Producer
    Rudolf Biermann, Jessica Daniel, Larry Weinstein
  • Executive Producer
    Niv Fichman
  • Co-Producer
    Barbara Willis Sweete, Thomas Wallner, Austin Wong
  • Cast
    Jindriska Hanusová, Linda Drexlerova, Daniel Hajek, Karim Tarakji, Nikol Fischerová, Radek Koula
  • Editor
    David Hedley, Jeff Jordan
  • Animator
    Tomasz Dysinski
  • Production Design
    Milan Býcek
  • Sound Design
    Jirí Kacírek Jr.
  • Music
    Alexina Louie, Alex Pauk