A new chapter in storytelling: ‘White Bird’ and the power of real-life narratives
A cinematic journey through history
As the release date for the WWII drama White Bird approaches on October 4, a unique collaboration has emerged between Lionsgate, Kingdom Story Company, StoryCorps, and the Shoah Foundation. This partnership aims to bring to life the real stories of Holocaust survivors, enriching the film’s narrative with authentic voices from history.
Directed by Marc Forster and featuring the talents of Gillian Anderson and Helen Mirren, White Bird tells the harrowing tale of a young girl’s attempt to escape Nazi-occupied France during World War II. The film is an adaptation of the graphic novel by R.J. Palacio, known for its poignant storytelling and emotional depth.
Watch the trailer for White Bird
Preserving memories through collaboration
StoryCorps Studios has joined forces with Living Links, a national organization dedicated to empowering descendants of Holocaust survivors. Together, they are publishing first-person accounts from the children and grandchildren of survivors, focusing on themes of bravery and kindness. This initiative not only honors the past but also provides a platform for these powerful stories to reach a wider audience.
Living Links has also partnered with the Shoah Foundation, an organization renowned for recording, preserving, and sharing the testimonies of Holocaust survivors. In support of White Bird‘s theatrical release, they have developed a viewing guide and testimony-based classroom resources. These materials are designed to extend the educational impact of the film, making it a valuable resource for educators, students, and the general public.
The power of storytelling
Dr. Catherine Clark, Senior Director of Programs at the USC Shoah Foundation, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration: “We are proud to share our expertise with Living Links in this endeavor with StoryCorps. Like the USC Shoah Foundation, StoryCorps has long played an important role in preserving the diverse tapestry of human experiences through the power of storytelling. Their work resonates with our own, particularly as we celebrate 30 years of collecting and preserving survivor testimony.”
Through this partnership, director Marc Forster and author R.J. Palacio will engage in a conversation, sharing their memorable moments from working on both the movie and the graphic novel. This conversation will be recorded and preserved in StoryCorps’ collection at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress. Additionally, StoryCorps and Lionsgate will launch a Collections page on the StoryCorps site, where audiences can listen to the full collection of stories.
A star-studded cast and crew
White Bird boasts an impressive cast, including Ariella Glaser, Orlando Schwerdt, and Bryce Gheisar. The screenplay, penned by Mark Bomback, is brought to life by producers Todd Lieberman, David Hoberman, and R.J. Palacio. The film promises to be a moving and thought-provoking experience, shedding light on a dark chapter of history through the lens of personal courage and resilience.
A personal reflection for enthusiasts
For cinema and TV series enthusiasts, White Bird offers more than just a historical drama; it provides a deeply personal connection to the past. The collaboration with StoryCorps and the Shoah Foundation ensures that the film is not only a visual spectacle but also an educational tool that fosters empathy and understanding.
As we anticipate the release of White Bird, it’s worth reflecting on the importance of preserving and sharing these stories. In a world where history can sometimes feel distant, films like this remind us of the human experiences that shape our collective memory. They encourage us to listen, learn, and remember.
For those who appreciate the intersection of history and storytelling, White Bird is a must-watch. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of narrative and the importance of keeping the voices of the past alive.
Watch the trailer for White Bird
In the realm of cinema, TV series, and music, stories have the power to transcend time and space, connecting us to experiences far removed from our own. White Bird is a shining example of how storytelling can bridge the gap between history and the present, offering a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.