Documentary SAMMY THE JOURNEY Kicks-Off Sedona Film Festival 2016

The documentary film "Sammy the Journey" (SammyTheJourney.com) opens the 2016 Sedona International Film Festival, with a gripping story of Sam Harris, one of the youngest survivors of the Nazi Holocaust in World War II. While the subject is horrific, the real message is one of extraordinary positivity, humor, courage and perseverance.

Sammy's story chronicles his determination to survive, despite terrible cruelty and suffering, including the loss of most of his family. In spite of this, Sam emerges as a positive, humorous, generous and successful person. His survival consisted of hiding in two concentration camps to avoid being killed, if found. Still, he remains a role model for both adults and children. According to film co-creator, Ellen Palestrant, "Despite the horrific circumstances Sam Harris was forced to endure as a child, he epitomizes so many qualities needed to lead a productive life, such as resilience and positivity. That is why I felt it was essential to capture his life on film."

The 90-minute film has been officially selected by the Sedona International Film Festival and set to kick-off festival month on February 8, 2016. It is more than a story of survival; it is a story of thriving within dire and inhumane circumstances.

"Sammy the Journey" is the result of a collaboration between two creatives: Eric Cosh, with vast experience in music and cinematography, and Ellen Palestrant, script writer and artist. The idea of the film grew out of a casual conversation and they immediately knew this story had to be told. "We believe this movie will serve as an inspiration to people all over the world. This is why we made this film," states Cosh.

Cosh and Palestrant personally underwrote the film because they believed the story so important and a lesson for all, regardless of historical context. They dedicate the film "to the rest of the children who did not survive." Their three-year effort is "Sammy the Journey." It is a major tribute to their efforts, as well as the compelling story of Sam Harris, to be selected by the Sedona International Film Festival.

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