Episode One Premieres

Steve Croft, Chairman of the Augusta Chiwy Foundation, introduces the episode. Photo by David Duncan.

On May 8th, 2024, Mike Dewine, Governor of Ohio (home of this film’s studio and foundation) held an extraordinary event in commemoration of the Holocaust, featuring the world premiere of our first episode. About four hundred people were there, and many of us from the team making the film had the pleasure of sitting in the middle of the crowd so we could hear every gasp, sigh, and sniffle.

The event was made all the more special by having some of the people essential to the story, personalities seen in the episode, in the audience and at the reception afterward. Matthew Rozell was there (with his wife Laura), as was military historian David Hilborn. For many people there, it was clear that the special treat was in being able to meet Elizabeth Walsh-Connolly and her sister Sharon Walsh-Salluzzo, both pivotal to the story. 

As for the audience response to the episode, we’ll just share some comments emailed to director Mike Edwards since May 8th…

A totally amazing, incredible, inspiring Episode 1. WOW!!!!

I was blown away. It is captivating. The amazing level of detail and history included was a great foundation to tell the story. Loved every second. Can’t wait to see more – 

Congratulations on having delivered this tour-de-force, “A Train Near Magdeburg,” a pocket full of miracles, a film for the ages.

I love that the film emphasizes the human need to take care of one another, no matter the orders, no matter the danger, no matter the impossible circumstances. It’s a good message for the world these days.

The film took off like a rocket ship and took me with it.  Unbelievably good.

Your achievement with Episode One is outstanding.  The story is immaculately presented in pictures and words, and the impact hits you like a punch in the gut.

I held it together for about 50% of the film and then cried the other 50%.  It was remarkable and so moving, and I can’t wait to see parts 2, 3, and 4.

I didn’t want it to end.  When can we see Episode 2, 3 and 4?

Rob Kaplan, our representative at ITV Studios, flew in from Los Angeles to be there and was beyond thrilled by what he saw.

Which means, of course, now we have to go straight into work on episodes Two, Three, and Four! And that will be a pleasure but also lots and lots of work … 

Read more about this on Matthew Rozell’s renowned blog “Teaching History Matters”