The Last Flight of Petr Ginz. DVD. 67 min. First Run Features. 2013. ISBN unavail. $24.95.
Gr 12 Up–If only Petr Ginz had survived World War II, his contribution to literature, art, and humanity would have enriched the world. Such is the sentiment viewers are likely to feel after watching this unique biography of a Czech boy living during the Nazi occupation. Petr lived in Prague, attended a school for
exceptional children, read Jules Verne and H. G. Wells, and created illustrated literary fantasies all before he was transported to Auschwitz in 1944 and murdered at age 17. Despite deepening Nazi intrusions into Jewish life, Petr managed to create optimistic diaries and novels festooned with artwork. Cleverly disguised as “written by Jules Verne, illustrated by Petr Ginz,” he self-published the allegorical tale Ka-Du, a story about a mechanical monster designed to help its evil creators conquer the world. Clearly meant to parallel Nazi activity, Petr finished his masterpiece just before being deported to the Terezin Ghetto. There, he continued writing and drawing, even creating a cryptic code to record events. His life is retold by his surviving younger sister and through creative animation based on his original art. Black-and-white footage, stills, and family photos add to this affecting story. John Califra’s musical score sets the tone for this documentary about an intellectual youth undaunted by the Holocaust. Winning awards inJerusalem,Atlanta, andToronto, this film is an entertaining and powerful testament to a persistently positive and talented young man. An excellent choice for history, art, music, and social ethics classes.–Robin Levin,U.S.HolocaustMemorialMuseum Teacher/Fellow,Ft. Washakie,WY