Broadcasts
CBC (Canada 1986), Tele Quebec (Canada 1986), ZDF (Germany 1986), PBS (United States 1987), NHK (Japan, 1987), ABC (Australia 1987), MTV3 (Finland 1987); and numerous other stations throughout the world.
Theatrical Distribution
USA (1986)
Le documentaire se fête / A Salute To The Documentary (1989), Studio D retrospectives in London and France, Trinity College Inaugural Year screening Legacies of the Holocaust: Against Silence (1988), Stratford Festival Forum (2013), Berlin Arsenal (2015) and innumerable other screenings worldwide.
One of the most moving and powerful documentaries I have ever seen.
— Margaret Laurence, author
Dark Lullabies is the kind of personal memoir that hits you in the gut. In the middle of a sea of mindless programming, it strikes out, grips you with its true story and won’t let go.
— Jim Bauden, Toronto Star
Dark Lullabies is a torturing inquiry whose investigation creates an unforgettable monument.
— Film Kultura, Hungary
…by far the most affecting documentary.
— Richard F. Shepard, New York Times
Angelico’s interviews have drawn out a fascinating assortment of opinions and responses to the most horrendous event of the century, and the humanity within its frames suggests there is still hope for a world free of prejudice and hatred.
— Michael D. Reid, Times-Colonist
The most emotionally charged audience response [at the 36th Berlin Film Festival] was reserved, not surprisingly, for Dark Lullabies.
— Gerald Peary, The Globe and Mail
Letter to Leonard Cohen
by Irene Angelico
Dark Lullaby: Irene Angelico’s belated pilgrimage to Vilnius
Delfi.en
Dark Lullabies
Film Kultura
Seal of Eternity
Bernice Eisenstein, The Canadian Forum
Cinematic reflections on jewish life
Richard F. Shepard, The New York Times
Dark Lullabies true-to-life account of personal horrors of the Holocaust
Ted Shaw, The Windsor Star
Holocaust documentary packs a punch
Jim Bawden, Toronto Star
Bewegung zum Tode hin
Movement towards death
Frankfurter Allemeine Zeitung, October 17, 1985
World Festival’s Dark Lullabies a memorable and haunting documentary
Myron Galloway, World Film Festival
Dark Lullabies – NFB
Berlin toasts Pool’s ‘pearl’
Gerald Peary, The Globe and Mail
Trying to come to terms with contradiction
Mark Pendergrast
There’s a world of difference between films and theatre
Marianne Ackerman
Surviving after the Holocaust… the legacy of “Dark Lullabies”
Terry Loncario
Facing the past
Dark Lullabies at the Bloor Cinema
NFB’s offerings run gamut from superb to so-so
Bruce Bailey
Powerful film “Dark Lullabies”
Dark Lullabies - Canadian Churchman
Philip Jefferson
Coming to terms with a painful legacy
Michael D. Reid, Times-Colonist
Holocaust film shows two sides of anger, shame
Lois Sweet
Winners at Manheim
National Film Board of Canada
Haunted by fears of the past
Judith Finlayson
Coming to grips with a nightmare
Jami Bernard
New film explores how Holocaust was possible
Janice Arnold, Canadian Jewish News
Dark Lullabies
Sarah Lloyd
Dark Lullabies: Documentary filmmaking with a conscience
Susan Grey
Rage, questions sparked film
John Dodd
Internationales forum des jungen films
Berlin 1986
Dark Lullabies – Booklist
The fourth World Television Film Festival in Tokyo
Presenting foreign drama and documentary masterpieces
Launch of book and film on Holocaust by a father and daughter
Michael Rabiger, The Sentinel
Canadian documentary about the Holocaust experiences a renaissance
Mike Cohen, The Jewish Tribune
Dark Lullabies: berceuse pour l’Holocauste
Jean-Christophe Laurence, La Presse
Reise an die Gründe des Schweigens
Matthias Dell, taz.de
Dark Lullabies – critic.de
Sonja M. Schultz, critic.de
Darkness abides
Byron Toben
Dark Lullabies: Timeless film, timeless message
Bill Brownstein, The Gazette
Crossing over: How is Dark Lullabies like Romeo and Juliet?
Irene Angelico, The Canadian Jewish News
“Dark Lullabies” is a must-see
David Levy
Letter from Leonard Cohen
Letter from Liv Ullmann
Letter from Lilian Rosenthal
Letter from Michelle Landsberg
Letter from Lanie Keystone
Letter from Rick Book
Letter from Hedy Frisch
Letter from Greta Hofmann Nemiroff
Letter from Horma Acemi
Letter from Patricia A. Lutwack
Letter from Edward M. Bronfman
Letter from Margaret Laurence
Letter from François N. Macerola
Letter from Jerry
Letter from Joël
Letter from Phyllis
Letter from John Hazel
Letter from Paulette
Letter from Terri
Letter from Elaine Meyerartz
Letter from Lily Barr
Letter from Darryl
Letter 23
Letter from Carolyn Lock
Letter from Carol
Letter 5
Letter 27
Letter 32
Letter 33
Letter 28
Letter 31
Letter 30
Dearest Irene,
Watching Dark Lullabies is a life-changing experience.
The emotional and intellectual rollercoaster you’ve put me through is immense!
The monument you’ve raised for your parents and your family is… monumental!
Besides, it’s an absolutely wonderful film!
The filmmaking is really exquisite.
As I was watching I was impressed with the great story-telling/writing/questioning, the editing, the cinematography, the overall rhythm, pacing, only to find out that you also edited it!
Much to talk about when we meet again.
Yours,
Shimon Dotan
I don’t use the word enlightened very often but this is how I feel after seeing this great work tonight. Seriously. Its always a real treat to hang with you two so thanks for being so cool to us.
Was a blast and to talk to Laurie and all the nice people there. Kathy had a great time too. Thanks for the good times. Crash our party anytime.
Cheers,
John Wilson
Good morning Irene and Abbey,
I was very happy to see you and to be at the screening last night! The film has a nice flow and rhythm, still, after all these years. Your questions are still pertinent and poignant!
Good luck with your future productions!
Bisous
Chantal Bowen
Friends, really still a remarkable film, so many years after and so relevant.
Jan Rofekamp
Hi Irene and Abbey!
We were very happy watching your film, Dark Lullabies. It was a very great experience for us. Especially now, when in Hungary the state policy denies the Holocaust. Half a million Hungarian Jews were sent with happiness by the Hungarian state officials and people to Auschwitz into death to rob them all of all their possessions, and now the Orban regime lies, that the Hungarians, seventy years ago, were all innocents, but the German Nazis were sinners.
Éva understood almost everything, and also I could understand very much, especially when the protagonists were speaking in close-up pictures in reportages.
I was happy to see you as a young woman, you was as a young girl almost so beautiful than now. Also Abbey’s cinematography work was excellent.
So we both thank you the very great treat.
xoxo and hugs
with love
Ákos and Éva Kertesz
Dear Irene and Abbey,
Thank you so much for such a wonderful evening. The movie was such a rich experience and the social gathering and discussion at your house just topped it off. I hope the second two showings were as full.
Tanya Steinberg
Hello Irene
Unfortunately your film is still relevant!! While we visibly have aged (although quite well!) your film remains new and fresh.
Judit Kenyeres
Hey Irene!
I was happy to see the film again. It had been a long time since I had seen it. It certainly still packs a heavy punch...
All the best to the family,
Dan Schioler
Irene and Abbey
Wonderful presentation last nite.
Byron Toben
Dear Irene
Thanks to you and Abbey for your inspiring film and a wonderful evening
Erica Pomerance
Irene and Abbey,
Thank you so much for inviting me to your home after Monday night's screening. The conversation was lively and tangential, and I really enjoyed the company.
Thank you also for your gifted copy of the memoir, which I will read in the coming weeks. I taught on the subject of the Holocaust last year, and if I do again, I would like to introduce students to your work. I was so impressed by the palpable restraint of Dark Lullabies — a tactic I don't see much of in films on the same subject.
An Israeli documentary entitled "The Flat" offers an interesting take on the effects of the silence of the second generation on the third generation of Holocaust survivors; and the film offers real nuance to the concept that uncovering the past may lead us closer to our own people. If you haven't seen it it's well worth watching.
Your kind invitation was so appreciated, as was your warm hospitality. I hope we will meet again soon.
Best,
Jamie Anne Read
Looking at the Dark Lullabies promo definitely makes me want to see it again, and I know it was very powerful when I saw it the first time.
It's certainly interesting, and maybe surprising that this has risen up again but like many important and great films that find themselves turning into a classic have no end to their relevance. It's full on.
Ed Krupa
Hi Irene
Thought I would let you know that Jay and I went to see Dark Lullabies on Thursday. It was wonderful. You found such amazing people to tell their stories. We were both very moved.
You'll be glad to know, if you don't already, there was quite a full house.
You guys are on a real roll these days with your theatrical screenings.
Best wishes,
Sally Bochner
Hi Irene,
I read your article in the CJN with great interest. I agree with your statement about building bridges. Our generation, can accomplish this, as you say so eloquently, "if wars are to end." Like you, I have consciously worked to change my attitude towards a generation of Germans who had nothing to do with the war. Your film, "Dark Lullabies" was a factor in my process of letting go of the hatred I used to harbour towards all Germans. I describe this process in my book, "Recovering from Genocidal Trauma." I felt encouraged when I read a statement by Elie Wiesel, who links hatred with destruction: "One can rage and protest but to hate serves no purpose other than the final destruction of humanity."
At some point, the hatred must stop if there is to be healing on our planet. Your film is an important step in this direction.
Warm regards,
Myra Giberovitch
Hi Abbey and Irene,
Hope your screenings are going/went well. Elaina said she was there the first night and it was really interesting for her. Terrific to see renewed interest.
Would it be possible to send me a link? I definitely had a copy but can't locate it. If it's not possible, I understand.
Hope to get to see you soon. It's been a long time.
Warmest regards,
Barb Schleifer
Dear Irene,
Stanley and I are both so happy to know that the screening went so well. Dark Lullabies deserves a large audience. It surely enlightens people who see it and they will think about it after. It is such an important film.
Love to you and Abbey and all your family.
Good Health to All.
Zei Gezunt.
Love,
Sharon Asher
Directed and edited by
Irene Lilienheim Angelico
Abbey Jack Neidik
Cinematography
Susan Trow
Location sound
Jean-Guy Normandin
Narration written by
Irene Lilienheim Angelico
Gloria Demers
Editing Consultant
Edward Le Lorrain
Location manager and researcher, Canada and Israel
Anne Dychtenberg
Rachel Rubenstein
Associate director and researcher, Germany
Harald Luders
Assistant camera
Simon Leblanc
Assistant editing and archival research
Chantal Bowen
Optical effects
Don McWilliams
Original music by
Lauri Conger
Michael Beinhorn
Music recording
Louis Hone
Music editing
Diane Le Floc’h
Sound editing
Abbey Jack Neidik
André Galbrand
Re-recording
Jean-Pierre Joutel
Adrian Croll
Producers
Irene Lilienheim Angelico
Abbey Jack Neidik
Edward Le Lorrain
Bonnie Sherr Klein
Executive producer
Kathleen Shannon