AMONG NEIGHBORS to Make Debut at Goldrich Cultural Center, Holocaust Museum LA
The award-winning documentary “Among Neighbors” will debut at The Goldrich Cultural Center, which includes Holocaust Museum LA, on Thursday, June 18, at 6:30 p.m. Directed by Yoav Potash, the film examines the murder of Holocaust survivors in Poland six months after World War II ended, a subject that led the office of Poland’s nationalist president to call for a ban on the film.
Why did Poland’s government attempt to ban ‘Among Neighbors’?
The film focuses on a small, rural town in Poland where people of two different faiths lived together for centuries. According to the film’s premise, this coexistence ended when the killing began, specifically centering on the murder of Holocaust survivors shortly after the war’s conclusion.
The office of Poland’s nationalist president called for a ban on the documentary due to the facts revealed in the production. Potash uses a combination of traditional documentary techniques and animation to explore this mystery of love and betrayal.
Did You Know? “Among Neighbors” won a 2026 Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award, presented by The Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center.
What awards and critical acclaim has the film received?
The Los Angeles Film Awards named the production Best Documentary. It was also an official selection at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival and won awards at the San Francisco Independent, Berkshire International, Ojai, Warsaw Jewish, and Teaneck International film festivals.
Critics have provided high praise for the work. The San Francisco Chronicle called the film “remarkable,” while This Week in New York described it as “a gripping, deeply emotional murder mystery.” Jake Tapper of CNN and the Hollywood Reporter also acclaimed the film.
Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that debuting a film targeted for censorship by a foreign government at a landmark like the Goldrich Cultural Center highlights the tension between national narratives and historical documentation. The choice of venue may amplify the film’s significance as a tool for human rights discourse.
Who will participate in the Goldrich Cultural Center event?
The screening is presented in partnership with Jewish Story Partners. Following the film, a panel discussion will feature filmmaker Yoav Potash and Louise Steinman, who is a writer, author, and literary curator.
The event marks the first film to be shown at the new Goldrich Cultural Center. This venue serves as a landmark for Los Angeles and houses the Holocaust Museum LA.
The panel could provide further context on the film’s production and the implications of the attempted ban in Poland.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the screening of ‘Among Neighbors’ taking place?
The screening is scheduled for Thursday, June 18, at 6:30 p.m. at The Goldrich Cultural Center, which includes Holocaust Museum LA.
What specific event does the documentary investigate?
The film examines the murder of Holocaust survivors in a rural Polish town six months after the end of World War II.
Who is the director of the film?
The documentary was directed by Yoav Potash.
How does the use of animation in historical documentaries change the way viewers process sensitive events?