Holocaust Survivor Story Becomes Free Animated Film

A Holocaust survivor's incredible story of resilience is reaching audiences around the world through an innovative animated film that honors the past while speaking to today's generation.

ChaiFlicks, a streaming platform dedicated to Jewish stories, is premiering "Survivor" for free on January 27th in honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The film tells the true story of Ivor Perl BEM, who survived Auschwitz, Kaufering, Allach, and Dachau as a 12-year-old boy from a small Hungarian town.

Animator Zoom Rockman created the entire film by hand using paper puppet animation in under a year. He adapted Perl's novel "Chicken Soup Under The Tree: A Journey to Hell and Back" into a visual format designed to reach audiences who might not otherwise engage with Holocaust stories.

The film follows young Ivor and his brother through unspeakable horrors, showing their unbreakable bond and miraculous survival. Composer Erran Baron Cohen created an emotional score that amplifies the story's powerful impact.

Rockman deliberately chose a Gen Z-inspired animation style to keep Holocaust history alive for rising generations. His goal was to make the story both powerful and accessible, ensuring these vital memories remain present for young people today.

Why This Inspires

What makes this project special isn't just the artistic achievement. It's the commitment to education through accessibility.

ChaiFlicks CEO Neil Friedman emphasizes that stories like "Survivor" must be seen, remembered, and passed on to as many people as possible. By offering it free on YouTube and their platform for International Holocaust Remembrance Day, they're removing every barrier to viewing.

The handmade animation approach creates an intimate, personal connection to Ivor's journey. Rather than overwhelming viewers with graphic imagery, the paper puppets invite them into the story with compassion and care.

This innovative storytelling method proves that even the darkest chapters of history can be shared in ways that inspire hope rather than despair. The film honors survivors while teaching new generations about resilience, love, and the strength of the human spirit.

After the free 24-hour premiere, "Survivor" will remain available exclusively on ChaiFlicks, continuing to educate and inspire audiences worldwide about the importance of remembering and learning from history.