NOVEMBER 21 • 2024 | 49
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In fact, as a testament to his mem-
ory, Nathan-Ism screened at the 
Nuremberg Courtroom nearly 80 
years after Hilu himself was stationed 
at one of history’s most critical legal 
events.
Directed by Jewish filmmaker 
Elan Golod, Nathan-Ism debuted 
to widespread acclaim. It won the 
Yad Vashem Award for Outstanding 
Holocaust-Related Documentary, 
a shortlist spot at the International 
Documentary Association Awards 
and a prize from the Jewish Film 
Institute.
Nathan-Ism also screened at the 
San Francisco Jewish Film Festival.
“
As a filmmaker, I was drawn to 
Nathan Hilu’s story for its ability to 
bridge the past and present,
” Golod 
said. “Nathan Hilu’s fervent need to 
tell his story mirrors my motivation 

in capturing it — to create a vehicle 
for empathy and understanding of 
marginalized voices, and to stress the 
impact certain events can have on 
one’s life to the end.
”
While making the film, Hilu left 
Golod countless voicemails, an exam-
ple of one of many elderly residents 
of New York City with a life-changing 
story to tell, but no one to listen.
Golod calls Nathan-Ism a “fresh 
perspective” on confronting the histo-
ry of the Holocaust, especially during 
a time of increased antisemitism and 
Holocaust denial worldwide.
“His life and work raise questions, 
not just about the episodes of world 
history to which he unwittingly bore 
witness,
” Golod said, “but about the 
need to find meaning in our lives, 
and the effect that can have on our 
memories.
” 

Hilu continued 
drawing thrroughout 
his life.

Hilu with 
his artwork

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