Rob Rinder Stars in New Short Film ‘Darkness and Light’ for UK Holocaust Memorial Day
For the second year running, Malcolm Green has written and directed a film promoting the UK Holocaust Memorial Day. This year’s theme is ‘darkness and light’ and the film features TV personality Rob Rinder, together with Martay M’kenzy - star of the West End production of 'Lion King'.
The film was made on behalf of The UK National Holocaust Centre and will be screened at both physical and virtual events around the country as well as online media. A ‘hero’ 90 second film is accompanied by several 10-15 second social edits. The film was shot and produced under strict Covid-19 regulations.
This is the second year running that Malcolm has made a film for HMD. Last year, he worked with a number of Premiership players and coaches to create a spot that reached over 22 million views. Meanwhile, Rob Rinder recently completed a two-part TV documentary about the Holocaust.
The UK Holocaust Memorial Day Trust (HMDT) encourages remembrance in a world scarred by genocide. It promotes and supports Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) - the international day on 27th January - to remember the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, alongside the millions of other people killed under Nazi Persecution and in genocides that followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. The National Holocaust Centre and Museum is the UK’s foremost organisation involved in Holocaust Education and is a worldwide centre of excellence for it’s programming and research.
Malcolm previously wrote and directed the internationally award-winning film 'EDEK' with NHC, which was a Hip-hop retelling of a survivor story, starring 85 year-old Janine Webber and US Hip-hop artist Kapoo.
Malcolm commented: "At times like these, of pandemic, hardship and challenge, it’s easy to use the word ‘unprecedented’. But the Holocaust was something that truly was previously unimaginable. Something that demonstrated just how far into the darkness humanity could sink if allowed. At the same time, there were numerous examples of acts of kindness, courage and selflessness that allowed a tiny slither of light to shine through. That's what this film is about. That we each have a choice.... darkness or light. As I watched Joe Biden installed as US president, following the past weeks of division and violence, I was reminded of how vital it is to teach the events of the Holocaust - along with subsequent genocides. And how necessary it is to put an end to the concepts of White Supremacy, fascism and fake conspiracy."
"Millions of Jews and others, including my family had their lights snuffed out in the darkness of the Holocaust." said Rob. "This video teaches human beings from every political point of view that the rights of humans are fragile and for history to journey in the direction of truth and justice requires love, compassion and truth. I am proud to be a small part of making and sharing this video."
Marty added: "Now, more than ever due to the current political climate, the importance of kindness, compassion and love for your fellow man is what we need to make the world a more peaceful place in which to coexist. However, what we have seen through the mediums of social media, the news and sadly through the views of some of our world leaders, is that racism will always and sadly still exists. It is a basic human right to be treated equally and not suffer at the hands of such barbarism, brutally and oppression due to skin colour, religious beliefs and values, yet still we do. I am extremely honoured that the director Malcolm Green entrusted me to be a part of this extremely powerful and thought provoking film and for my portrayal of the ‘light’ in a world where people have suffered such darkness and atrocities."
