Besa the Promise
Directed by Rachel Goslins
86 mins. / USA / English / 2012

“IN A SMALL, LITTLE COUNTRY CALLED ALBANIA, SIMPLE PEOPLE DID SIMPLE THINGS, BUT IN RETROSPECT THEY WERE NOT SIMPLE AT ALL, THEY WERE GREATLY HEROIC”
This compelling documentary reveals the little known history of Albanians, mostly Muslims, who risked their lives sheltering Jews during WWII, following the ancient moral code of besa (a promise).
The film tells a remarkable story of the gentle, thoughtful Albanian toyshop owner Rexhep Hoxha in his quest to find the Jewish family his father sheltered and to return the sacred books left in his care sixty years ago.
Featuring original music by Philip Glass and striking portraits by American photographer Norman H. Gershman, this is a truly inspiring tale of simple humanity, bravery and the possibility of co-existence.

Trailer: 
 

This screening is part of the The 15th Hong Kong Jewish Film Festival, for more information, please visit http://asiasociety.org/hong-kong/15th-hong-kong-jewish-film-festival

Co-presented with