Shira Haas Stars in WWII Drama "Triumph of the Will"

Israeli actress Shira Haas is set to lead in the upcoming film "Triumph of the Will," a WWII period drama written and directed by American filmmaker Gabriel Nussbaum. The film, currently in post-production, is produced by David Kaplan of Kaplan Morrison and features a cast that includes Samuel Levine, Betsy Aidem, Simon Helberg, John Carroll Lynch, and Philip Ettinger.

Variety Magazine

"Triumph of the Will" follows Haas's character, a woman who leaves her husband in Amsterdam in 1937 to seek a new life in Berlin with her daughter. In Berlin, she becomes involved with a rabbi dedicated to helping Jews escape the impending dangers of Nazi Germany. The narrative explores the moral dilemmas faced by the couple, particularly regarding their four-year-old child, who cannot leave without her father's permission. The couple must decide whether to leave her behind in Berlin or risk their own lives to stay together.

Variety Magazine

The film was shot entirely in New York, where the production team recreated settings from Amsterdam, Berlin, Lisbon, and Oklahoma. David Kaplan emphasized the importance of filming in their home city, noting the economic benefits of supporting local talent and the community.

Variety Magazine

Kaplan described "Triumph of the Will" as not only a survival story but also a morality tale. He highlighted the central conflict of the film, which revolves around the couple's struggle to balance their desire for personal happiness against the harsh realities of their situation. The film aims to depict the emotional and ethical challenges faced by individuals during a time of crisis.

Variety Magazine

David Kaplan remarked on the film's focus, stating, “This good man is trying to help people get out of Berlin, but he is perhaps more focused on doing good work than he is on saving himself or his new family.” He further elaborated on the film's emotional weight, saying, “It starts as a romantic drama about somebody trying to find happiness, have the life they want, even if it’s slightly irrational.”

Variety Magazine

While the film has garnered attention for its ambitious narrative and historical context, there has been some critique regarding the portrayal of complex moral choices in a historical setting. Some observers question whether the film can adequately address the gravity of the Holocaust while maintaining a romantic storyline.

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As "Triumph of the Will" moves through post-production, it is anticipated to attract significant interest at upcoming film festivals, following the success of Kaplan's previous project, "Josephine," which won awards at Sundance. The film's release date has yet to be announced, but it is expected to contribute to discussions surrounding historical narratives in cinema.

Variety Magazine

• “This good man is trying to help people get out of Berlin, but he is perhaps more focused on doing good work than he is on saving himself or his new family. It starts as a romantic drama about somebody trying to find happiness, have the life they want, even if it’s slightly irrational.” — David Kaplan, Producer

The Jerusalem Post

• “It starts as a romantic drama about somebody trying to find happiness, have the life they want, even if it’s slightly irrational.” — David Kaplan, Producer

Variety Magazine