AJU’s Michael Berenbaum Executive Produces New Elie Wiesel Documentary That Premiered in Jerusalem

American Jewish University congratulates Michael Berenbaum, director of the Sigi Ziering Institute at AJU, on the world premiere of “The Survivor in a Tuxedo,” a new documentary about Nobel Peace Prize laureate Elie Wiesel. Berenbaum served as executive producer and chief consultant on the film, which debuted July 16 at the Jerusalem Film Festival.

Combining interviews, animation and archival footage, the 71-minute documentary explores Wiesel’s evolution from Holocaust survivor to one of the world’s leading moral voices. The film, directed by veteran documentary filmmaker David Fisher, has been described as an “intensely personal and poignant documentary.” Israel’s President Isaac Herzog called the film “moving and compelling.”

Few scholars were better positioned to help shape the film than Berenbaum, who worked closely with Wiesel at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum to establish the institution as a “Living Memorial.”

“Having devoted much of my career to studying the Holocaust, it was a tremendous honor to work with David Fisher on this film about Elie Wiesel,” Berenbaum said. “He helped shape the moral conscience of generations. I hope audiences around the world will experience this film and come away with a deeper appreciation for the complexity, courage and enduring legacy of his life.”

The premiere drew prominent members of Israel’s cultural and Jewish communal leadership.

Following the screening, Berenbaum participated in a discussion about Wiesel’s legacy and the making of the film.