“When the Nazis came to power, most of the world looked the other way, but not Carl Laemmle.” (Rabbi Marvin Hier, founder, Simon Wiesenthal Center)

Carl Laemmle tells the extraordinary true story of the German-Jewish immigrant who founded Universal Pictures and produced All Quiet on the Western Front, the first talkie war film to win an Oscar. But Laemmle’s legacy extends far beyond Hollywood fame. The affable man everyone called “Uncle Carl” also led the way on progressive issues—first by providing hard-to-come-by opportunities to female directors and African American actors, and later by helping to rescue more than 300 Jewish families from Nazi Germany. Laemmle didn’t just write affidavits and sponsor visas; he helped refugees find homes and jobs and provided them with financial support. In a time of renewed global crisis, this film about Laemmle’s forward-thinking humanitarian efforts serves as both history lesson and inspiration.

Tickets: $11 (members), $16 (nonmembers)