For immediate release
Chicago, IL - January 2, 2013
WTTW, Chicago’s premier public television station, is pleased to announce the Chicago broadcast premiere of the new 60-minute documentary SKOKIE: INVADED, BUT NOT CONQUERED. WTTW will air the program on Thursday, January 24 at 8:00 pm, with a rebroadcast at 2:00 pm on Sunday, January 27.
This new local program, produced by the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, examines the personalities and issues connected to the attempted neo-Nazi March in Skokie in the late 1970s. Written by Todd Whitman to coincide with the 35th anniversary of these events, the film makes extensive use of archival footage and contemporary interviews to reveal how a debate over First Amendment rights inspired Holocaust survivors to become activists, eventually leading to the creation of the Museum. Aaron Freeman hosts.
“Even for those who consider themselves familiar with the events of Skokie, this film reveals so much more to the story,” said Richard S. Hirschhaut, Executive Director of the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center. “Above all, the courage and spirit of the survivors stands triumphant. Their dignified response to the threat of neo-Nazis in their community awoke the conscience of our nation to the sanctity of memory and the imperative of standing up to hate. A generation has come of age inspired by their poignant example of the best of humanity,” he added.
The film’s co-Executive Producer, Todd Whitman, said, “Many aren’t aware that in 1977, quiet and peaceful Skokie, a haven for Holocaust survivors, was shaken to its core when a small group of neo-Nazis tried to march there. This attracted national and international attention, leading to landmark legal cases. It never ceases to amaze me when looking at the shocking scenes of overt racism demonstrated by the Chicago Nazi group, nearly ending in violent and tragic results.”
“WTTW is proud to air an important film that sheds light on a significant event in local history,” said Daniel Soles, WTTW’s Chief Television Content Officer. “We hope our audiences will be inspired by this story of a town that banded together to stop a potential firestorm from happening in their community.”
Executive Producers of SKOKIE: INVADED, BUT NOT CONQUERED are Richard S. Hirschhaut and Todd Whitman, who also served as writer. Editors are Jeff Kreindel and Luke Hetherman. Graphics by Luke Hetherman. Music by Eric Jasper. Videography: Dustin Grove, Jeremy Johnson, and Daryl Lannert. Assistant Producer: Karen Bass.
SKOKIE: INVADED, BUT NOT CONQUERED has been made possible through the generosity of the Crain-Maling Foundation, a proud sponsor of public broadcasting, and dedicated to supporting medical research, education and the arts. Additional funding was provided by MB Financial, Philip and Mindy Rosenberg, and the Feis Family, in loving memory of Shirley and Frank Hofman.
About the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center
Likely the last international institution of its kind built with the active participation of Holocaust survivors, the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center is the largest facility in the Midwest dedicated to preserving the memories of those lost in the Holocaust and to teaching current generations to fight hatred, indifference and genocide in today’s world.
About WTTW
For more than 55 years, audiences have turned to WTTW for distinctive programming that informs, inspires, educates, and entertains. WTTW reaches 1.5 million weekly households over a four-state area, making it the most-watched public television station in America. Recognized for its award-winning local and national productions, WTTW is committed to presenting the very best in cultural, nature, science, public affairs, and children's programming across its four distinct television channels: WTTW11, WTTW Prime, its Spanish-language channel WTTW V-me, and WTTW Create, its “how-to” channel. For more information, please visit wttw.com.
