In 1906, Irmi Selver was born into a comfortable Jewish family in Chemnitz, Germany, where she grew up, married, and began her own family. Nothing prepared her for the upheavals and tragedy that were in store for her, or for the many times she would have to start her life over on unfamiliar ground. Irmi is a deeply personal film made by a daughter who is inspired by her mother’s story and her spirit. It explores the way in which unexpected events and chance encounters can both shape a life and reveal its true nature. Using Irmi’s own memoir — beautifully read by the actress, Hanna Schygulla, and with a richly emotional score by composer, Todd Boekelheide, Irmi takes us on her unique journey. Blending archival photos, drawings, home movies, and fresh interviews, Irmi portrays a woman who drew everyone close with her kindness and love of life, even in the face of unimaginable loss. It is a portrait of a woman whose strength, resilience, and perhaps most stunningly, whose joie de vivre could not be vanquished even in the face of unimaginable loss.

Accompanying the film premiere is a discussion with directors Susan Fanshel & Veronica Selver. To view the conversation please click here.

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The Miami Jewish Film Festival virtual program is made possible with the generous support of Benjamin Nahum and Tamar Roodner.