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A powerful and timely exploration of bigotry, loyalty, and moral courage, Honorable Mr. Morgenthau reveals the untold story of one man who dared to challenge America’s indifference during humanity’s darkest hour. Through the lens of Secretary of the Treasury Henry Morgenthau Jr.—the only Jewish member of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Cabinet—the film exposes how the U.S. government, throughout the 1930s and World War II, willfully kept Jewish immigration far below its official quota, a policy shaped by political caution and thinly veiled anti-Semitism.
A close friend and confidant of FDR, Morgenthau initially avoided speaking out on Jewish issues. But as evidence of Nazi atrocities mounted—and under the influence of an extraordinary woman—his conscience compelled him to act. His moral awakening set in motion the creation of the War Refugee Board, which ultimately saved tens of thousands of lives.
Told entirely through archival footage, historic documents, and evocative original cinematography, Honorable Mr. Morgenthau immerses viewers in the moral dilemmas and political tensions of the era. The result is both a gripping historical drama and a mirror reflecting today’s struggles with antisemitism, refugee crises, and the courage to do what is right when the world looks away.
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Sponsored by Cindy & Mark Soloway
- Year2025
- Runtime95 minutes
- LanguageEnglish
- CountryUnited States
- PremiereSoutheast US Premiere
- DirectorHilan Warshaw
- ScreenwriterHilan Warshaw
- CastChip Zien, Geoff Cantor, Gregg Edelman
- CinematographerIan Dudley
- EditorHilan Warshaw
If you would like to donate to support our efforts, you can do so by clicking here. You can also experience all the films streaming in the Festival's virtual program by purchasing an All-Access Virtual Pass by clicking here.
A powerful and timely exploration of bigotry, loyalty, and moral courage, Honorable Mr. Morgenthau reveals the untold story of one man who dared to challenge America’s indifference during humanity’s darkest hour. Through the lens of Secretary of the Treasury Henry Morgenthau Jr.—the only Jewish member of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Cabinet—the film exposes how the U.S. government, throughout the 1930s and World War II, willfully kept Jewish immigration far below its official quota, a policy shaped by political caution and thinly veiled anti-Semitism.
A close friend and confidant of FDR, Morgenthau initially avoided speaking out on Jewish issues. But as evidence of Nazi atrocities mounted—and under the influence of an extraordinary woman—his conscience compelled him to act. His moral awakening set in motion the creation of the War Refugee Board, which ultimately saved tens of thousands of lives.
Told entirely through archival footage, historic documents, and evocative original cinematography, Honorable Mr. Morgenthau immerses viewers in the moral dilemmas and political tensions of the era. The result is both a gripping historical drama and a mirror reflecting today’s struggles with antisemitism, refugee crises, and the courage to do what is right when the world looks away.
────────────────────
Sponsored by Cindy & Mark Soloway
- Year2025
- Runtime95 minutes
- LanguageEnglish
- CountryUnited States
- PremiereSoutheast US Premiere
- DirectorHilan Warshaw
- ScreenwriterHilan Warshaw
- CastChip Zien, Geoff Cantor, Gregg Edelman
- CinematographerIan Dudley
- EditorHilan Warshaw