|
November 27, 1998/ 8 Kislev 5759, Vol. 51, No. 10
Academy Award-winning tale of heroism now available on home video"Visas and Virtue," winner of the 1997 Academy Award for best live action short film, is being released for home video purchase.The 26-minute drama pays tribute to Chiune Sugihara, the Japanese consul general who saved 6,000 lives by issuing transit visas to Polish Jews fleeing Europe in 1940. The film has received enthusiastic responses at film festivals around the world. In addition to the Academy Award, "Visas and Virtues" has won the first place fiction prize at the USA Film Festival, the crystal heart award from the Heartland Film Festival, a CINE Golden Eagle Award, the "Garcia de Paso" Human Values Award (Spain) and a humanitarian award from the Holocaust survivors' organization The "1939" Club. "Our reason for making this film was to tell the Sugihara Story," actor/director Chris Tashima said. "Releasing the film on home video is the easiest way for people to see the film, and the best way to share the story with a wide audience." "Visas and Virtues" also has been made available for educational purposes, coming with a one-page discussion guide that can be used by educators as they explore issues of racism, risk-taking and the meaning of role models. To order home video copies of "Visas and Virtues," call Transit Media at (800) 343-5540. For information on the educational video kit, call the NAATA at (415) 552-9550. |
