UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A preview screening of a documentary by Penn State faculty members that tells the story of a Holocaust survivor who played a pivotal role in one of history’s most daring and successful hostage-rescue operations will be presented by the American Jewish Historical Society March 23 in New York City.
The organization will preview the PBS documentary “Cojot: A Second Chance Comes Only Once” as part of its program focusing on France, Jewish identity and the Holocaust. The film presents a suspenseful character study of Michel Cojot, a Parisian banker who, a year before Entebbe, set out to kill notorious Nazi Klaus Barbie.
“Few people get a shot at righting history,” said Boaz Dvir, a senior lecturer in the College of Communications and the film’s writer, director and producer. “Michel claimed two. In 1975-76, he was catapulted twice onto the global stage. He certainly made the most of his second chance in Entebbe.”
Michel Cojot’s son, Olivier Cojot-Goldberg, who was with him when terrorists hijacked their Air France flight to Entebbe, Uganda, in 1976, will attend the March 23 preview at the Center for Jewish History (15 W 16th Street). The event includes a 20-minute “Cojot: A Second Chance Comes Only Once” presentation by Dvir, as well as a screening of a documentary short about a painful part of French history (“Yellow Stars of Tolerance”), a panel discussion and a reception.
Other Penn State faculty members working on “Cojot: A Second Chance Comes Only Once” include associate professor Richie Sherman, director of photography and co-producer, and lecturer Anita Gabrosek, editor. Gayle Zachmann, an associate professor at the University of Florida, serves as historical consultant and co-producer.
Presented by South Florida PBS, “Cojot: A Second Chance Comes Only Once” is slated for national release in 2017.
For more information about the event and preview screening in New York City, including how to buy tickets, visit: http://ajhs.org/france-jewish-identity-and-holocaust-yellow-stars-tolerance-and-cojot.