The Presence of Their Absence

"The Presence of Their Absence" is a meticulously crafted documentary directed by Donna Kanter and starred by Fred Zaidman. This poignant film showcases the riveting journey of Fred L. Zaidman, a Los Angeles-based evolutionary biologist who has his life inexplicably intertwined with the dark history of the Holocaust.

Zaidman embarks on an emotive quest in order to seek his ancestral roots. He carries an unheard burden and an unsettled past; he is a son of survivors of the Holocaust, but his parents never spoke of their horrific experiences. The silence of his parents rings loudly in his ears and signals an undiscovered part of his personal history. The film depicts his struggle to connect with his parent's past, their traumas, and their survival.

"The Presence of Their Absence" does more than just unravelling a personal story; it explores the profound concept of inherited trauma, how it’s passed down through generations—once dormant, now awakened, and yearning to be addressed. The film addresses the struggles of second-generation Holocaust survivors who are bequeathed with a deep-rooted pain by their ancestors, a pain long unexpressed yet deeply felt.

Fred only steps onto this long-resisted path after his parents' demise. His quest takes him to Germany and Poland, where he endeavors to uncover the unfathomable secrets of the Holocaust—an infamous historical chapter that directly affected his family. He courageously probes his Polish and Jewish roots while trying to confront, comprehend, and fill the emotional void left by his parents.

His journey isn’t solitary, though. Along his odyssey, he interactively engages with scholars, authors, and fellow second-generation survivors. These interactions add numerous facets to the narrative and provide Zaidman with an understanding of the broader picture and the impact of World War II on Jews and their descendants.

Despite the heavily charged emotional essence, "The Presence of Their Absence” does not pull its punches. The film is unflinching in its presentation of the painful and horrifying history tied to the Holocaust. It inspires viewers to empathize with Zaidman and anyone else who bears the scars of such inherited trauma.

The filmmaking style of Donna Kanter is noteworthy. Her subtle direction aptly portrays the daunting realities of the genocide without romanticizing or exploiting the pain and suffering. Through the adept and sensitive use of archival photographs, documents, personal anecdotes, and site visits, she paints a harrowing yet compelling picture of the Holocaust and its implications for the descendants of the survivors. The excellent cinematography and the carefully selected background score further accentuate the profound emotions embedded in the narration.

Zaidman’s portrayal is sincere and moving. His determination and longing for answers despite facing painful truths keep the viewers engaged throughout. He displays the true essence of human resilience and perseverance, reflecting a powerful need to reconnect with the past, understand it, and finally, to heal.

In the end, "The Presence of Their Absence" leaves a powerful impact. It delves into the personal and collective memory of an event that left an indelible mark on the history of humanity. It also draws attention to the themes of identity, heritage, and the transgenerational transmission of trauma—relevant topics that merit discussion even today.

"The Presence of Their Absence" is not a mere documentary; it's an emotional journey that compels viewers to reflect on the history and power of human resilience. The movie acts as a testament to the survivors' tremendous strength during the Holocaust and the courage of their children who confront, accept, and make peace with their inherited past. Making such an effort to understand the hidden aspects of one's history and identity resonates deeply with audiences, making them reflect on what it means to truly know oneself and one's past. This film is a hauntingly beautiful piece of cinematography that leaves an indelible mark on viewers' hearts long after the end credits roll.