Stories from the Violins of Hope

The first narrative presentation to tell the story of the famed collection of stringed instruments that survived the Holocaust. The stringed survivors were brought back to life – and to the world – by a family of violin restorers spanning three generations. Luthier Amnon Weinstein took what might have become an exhibit of ruined instruments, restored them and put them into the hands of musicians all over the world so that a new generation can hear them. The survivors of the Holocaust will not be here forever, but these violins will continue to tell their stories for generations to come. The original production was a live on Zoom theatrical experience - this project being submitted is a high quality re-filmed experience.

  • Susan Morgenstern
    Director
  • Lisa Pearl Rosenbaum
    Writer
  • Ronda Spinak
    Producer
  • Robert Trebor
    Key Cast
    Hail, Caesar!, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys
  • Rick Zieff
    Key Cast
    Terminator 3, The Tom and Jerry Show, The Jungle Book
  • Lisa Grant
    Key Cast
  • AJ Meijer
    Key Cast
    See You Next Christmas, Inside Acting Podcast
  • Rosie Moss
    Key Cast
  • Cliff Weissman
    Key Cast
    Judas and the Black Messiah, Beverly Hills 90210
  • Andrew Fromer
    Key Cast
    The Sweet Life
  • Dr. Noreen Green
    Music Curated by
    LA Jewish Symphony
  • Project Type:
    Feature
  • Runtime:
    56 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    January 2, 2022
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Greenwich International Film Festival
    Greenwich, CT
    United States
    February 27, 2022
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Susan Morgenstern

SUSAN MORGENSTERN began directing in college by staging musical-theatre concert readings while co-teaching American musical comedy with Tom Lehrer at UC Santa Cruz. She went on to teach and direct at the renowned Stage Door Manor performing-arts camp in Liberty, New York. She's directed numerous Los Angeles plays and musicals at celebrated venues including Theatre West, The Garry Marshall Theatre, Whitefire Theatre, The Pico, Santa Monica Playhouse, and Cabrillo Music Theatre. She co-authored and directed 18 Minutes of Fame: A. Musical Journey with Barbara Minkus in Los Angeles and NYC. Susan worked as a consultant show director at Disneyland Parks and Resorts, Anaheim, where she had the privilege of working with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and all their pals. She's directed numerous Braid shows and is especially proud to be its producing director, working closely with a tremendous group of brilliant and passionately creative people.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

When I first learned about the Violins of Hope, I knew this was a story that needed to be told both in words and music. The journey of these particular violins, as expressed through the people who played them and especially the people who restored and saved them, spoke to me personally as part of my own commitment to “Never Forget.” Music really does touch us deeply, even in the most desperate of times, and Stories from the Violins of Hope is a testament to the enormous power of music. It’s been a great honor to work with this production team and these exceptional actors to share this story with you. I hope this story will live on and be shared with future generations.