Laemmle's List

Special Presentation

In this fascinating documentary, artist and educator Deborah Blum embarks on a deeply personal journey to uncover the hidden heroism of her great-grandfather’s first cousin, Carl Laemmle, a Hollywood trailblazer and one of Universal Studios' founding figures. A largely unsung hero, Laemmle used his influence to save Jews from Nazi Germany, yet his courageous efforts remain scarcely acknowledged by Hollywood today.

Through newly discovered affidavits, Deborah traces three families whom Laemmle rescued and listens to their poignant stories of survival. With her husband and young daughter by her side, she travels to Germany to witness how her cousin’s legacy endures. There, amidst unexpected tributes to Laemmle, Deborah explores the remnants of her family’s heritage, including the factory her great-grandfather was forced to abandon.

This intimate portrait captures a family’s search for truth, revealing how one man’s selfless acts still echo across generations.