Sarah's Key

A couple years ago, my cousin lent me a book she read as part of her high school English class. It seemed an easy read, so I read it. Later I found out it would be made into a book and recently I had the opportunity to see it.

The novel opens on the story of Sarah, a young Jewish girl swept into the tragedies of World War II who tries to protect her younger brother Michel by locking him in a secret compartment in their apartment. She and her parents are arrested and taken to the Velodrome to await their fate, along with thousands of other Jews.

Years later, a woman named Julia is researching the Velodrome for an international news magazine and stumbles upon Sarah's story. She soon discovers that Sarah's story is woven into her in-laws past and surreptitiously uncovers that the truth surrounding Sarah's family and France during World War II.

The novel left me mourning for days over the great losses of the Holocaust and Sarah's experiences during that time. The movie was a bit of a disappointment (as almost all movies are compared to the book). In particular, the transitions between Sarah and Julia's life were very abrupt and vexing to the overall tale.

Fortunately, both mediums achieve the same overall effect: the provocation of courage and and hope for those who have suffered immense misfortune. As in all movies based around World War II, the question lingers: what would I have done during WWII?

One point I took from the book was the love Sarah had for her brother and her family. I am the first to admit that I am very attached to my family, especially my siblings. That characteristic alone made me particularly empathetic towards Sarah's guilt in leaving her brother behind and the hope that she carries for her brother's safety throughout her journey home is heart-breaking.

As much as I would like to recommend Sarah's Key, I would not want to claim responsibility of any possible heartbreak resulting from it... However, if one is interested in the Holocaust and/or a tale of love encapsulated by secrets then I highly recommend Sarah's Key.

Tlatelolco

This weekend was the Portland Latin American Film Festival at the Hollywood Theatre in NE Portland. The major feature was Tlatelolco, based on the political upheaval in Mexico around the preparations for the 1968 summer Olympics. The year was a year to remember, particularly because the games were hosted for the first time by a "third world" country. Amidst the societal tension, two students from different classes fall in love and join the student-led rebellion. Sitting in the packed auditorium, I had an overwhelming feeling of being a part of something bigger than myself. Hearing the buzz of the audience, I realized Tlatelolco had built a 120-capacity community in an evening. Tlatelolco ability to move is just as powerful as it its ability to gather people and I encourage anyone who has the opportunity to see it.

After the viewing, there was a question and answer session with the director, Carlos Bolado. He has received numerous awards and nominations internationally including two Emmys. During the session, many of the audience members spoke in Spanish and Bolado responded in English. It was fascinating to hear about his thoughts of the film. Bolado spoke to the concerns for the younger generations losing interest and knowledge about Mexican and Mexican-American history. He advocated for more programs and events that would highlight historical events as well as culture. Bolado said he made the film as a seed to put out in the world that might grow into something bigger, something more useful. I appreciated his response because it is how I came to view the film - my friend invited me to go and I accepted because I had recently taken a class on Latin American revolutions in the 20th century and was interested in how the events surrounding the summer of 1968 were portrayed.

Director Carlos Bolado at the Q&A session.

From Left to Right:
Me, Carlos Bolado, and my friend.

I am still in the process of defining my identity as a Mexican-American. There are so many things that set me apart from many other Mexican-Americans my age, however, my interest in Mexican history and supporting the community helps me make connections. My friend and I had a great conversation following the events which reinforced my feelings of being a part of something larger. I have newfound enthusiasm for my position in the college's Hispanic/Latin@ club and I cannot wait to share it!