KEARNEY – A documentary film highlighting the heroic actions of a Grand Island businessman, civic leader and humanitarian will be screened next month at The World Theatre in downtown Kearney.
“A Life Well Lived” tells the story of David Kaufmann and his effort to save families from the Holocaust.
Born in Germany, Kaufmann immigrated to the United States in 1903 and settled in Grand Island. This “quiet philanthropist” never sought recognition for his contributions, which benefited residents across the state, and never spoke publicly about his most important humanitarian work – sponsoring Jewish families who were fleeing the horrors of the Nazi regime leading up to World War II.
Produced by Chimney Rock Media with support from the Hall County Historical Society and Institute for Holocaust Education, the documentary includes interviews with historians, community leaders and the descendants of individuals who escaped Germany with Kaufmann’s help.
A free screening of “A Life Well Lived” is scheduled for 7 p.m. Nov. 17 at The World Theatre, 2318 Central Ave. University of Nebraska at Kearney associate history professor Torsten Homberger and Hall County Historical Society Vice President Michelle Setlik will lead a pre-show presentation beginning at 6:30 p.m. They’re both featured in the film.
The event is sponsored by the UNK Department of History.
