Overwhelming Critical Acclaim, Strong Audience Reception Prompt Warner Bros. Pictures to Expand Release of `Into the Arms of Strangers: Stories of the Kindertransport`
Film Chronicles Holocaust Rescue Mission That Saved 10,000 Children
BURBANK, Calif.--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE via COLLEGIATE PRESSWIRE)--Sept. 25, 2000--In response to excellent critical reception and tremendous word-of-mouth that has grown steadily since its Sept. 15 debut, Warner Bros. Pictures` ''Into the Arms of Strangers: Stories of the Kindertransport'' will expand its initial openings in New York, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., on Oct. 13 while opening to new engagements in Detroit, Philadelphia, Chicago, Miami, San Francisco, Baltimore and San Diego.
The announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, president of Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.
The feature documentary has been hailed enthusiastically by critics on a national level. ''An extraordinarily fine and understated documentary; a moving tribute,'' proclaimed Richard Schickel of Time. ''A uniquely uplifting film,'' said James Verniere of The Boston Herald. John Anderson of Newsday called it a ''cinematic triumph,'' and Kenneth Turan of the Los Angeles Times said ''gripping and memorable.'' Thelma Adams of US Weekly predicted that the film is ''destined for the Oscar shortlist.''
On Nov. 8, Prince Charles will be among those celebrities and dignitaries scheduled to attend the film`s highly anticipated International Royal Charity Premiere at the London Film Festival, which also marks the film`s first screening outside the United States.
''Into the Arms of Strangers'' has stirred audiences as well as critics. ''It comes as no surprise that people would embrace this extraordinarily moving true story and want to share it with their friends,'' said Fellman.
''Word-of-mouth support has been very strong due to the emotional connection that audiences are making with this film. It`s truly an experience, a glimpse into history as told by those who actually participated in the events depicted. We`re very proud to be able to offer such a film to the public, many of whom will be hearing this story for the first time.''
For nine months prior to the outbreak of World War II, in an unprecedented act of mercy, Britain conducted an extraordinary rescue effort known as the Kindertransport. Approximately 10,000 endangered children from Germany, Austria, occupied Czechoslovakia and Poland were taken into foster homes and hostels in Britain, expecting eventually to be reunited with their parents. The majority of the children never saw their families again.
''Into the Arms of Strangers: Stories of the Kindertransport'' is a feature documentary about the 1938-1939 rescue operation and its dramatic impact on the lives of the children who were saved. Told in the words of the child survivors, rescuers, parents and foster parents, these are the stories of those who survived with the help of others; they are stories of courage and hope, stories about the strength and resolve of children.
Narrated by Oscar winner Judi Dench, ''Into the Arms of Strangers: Stories of the Kindertransport'' is written and directed by Mark Jonathan Harris, writer and director of the Academy Award-winning feature documentary ''The Long Way Home,'' and produced by Deborah Oppenheimer.
Of the 10,000 children who were saved, one of them was the mother of producer Oppenheimer, whose experience in making the film was a journey of discovery for herself as well as for many of the people she met along the way.
The Sabine Films Production is edited by Kate Amend. Music is by Emmy Award winner Lee Holdridge. The director of photography is Don Lenzer, and sound design is by Academy Award winner Gary Rydstrom. The film is released worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures,
www.intothearmsofstrangers.com.
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