The Starfish

The Starfish, released in 2019, is a riveting and poignant documentary that explores the puts a spotlight on the life and experiences of one of the many children affected by the Holocaust – Herb Gildin. Directed by Tyler Gildin, this heartwarming film braids together living history with personal narrative, ultimately gifting its audience an intimate portrayal of survival and courage in the face of adversity.

Opening in the midst of turmoil and uncertainty during World War II, the film quickly dives into the life of young Herb Gildin, who, along with his two sisters, faced the threat of persecution from their native home of Germany. In a bid to protect his children, Herb's father made the gut-wrenching decision to send them to Sweden, promising to reunite once the danger of the Holocaust had passed. From here, the film walks us through Herb's journey, capturing his struggles, his hopes, and the resilience born from experiencing such tumultuous times at such a tender age.

Spanning across continents and years, The Starfish skillfully displays the tapestry of Herb's life - his childhood experiences, his arrival and triumphant rise in America, to his eventual evolution into a successful entrepreneur. The movie takes its name from a poignant anecdote signifying the one child at a time rescue policy. Throughout the film, we get to see how Herb's story is emblematic of the adage behind the starfish fable that saving even one life makes a big difference.

The documentary serves as its own kind of time capsule, capturing a bygone era through the lens of one person's lived experience. By integrating personal testimonials, rare footage, photographs, and archival material, the audience gets an immersive experience of Herb's narrative. The film successfully injects life into the faded pages of history, helping the audience understand not just the facts, but the human stories beneath the print.

Herb Gildin's on-screen presence anchors the documentary with his frank, engaging narrative and candid demeanour. His recollections are supported beautifully by the limited but impactful presence of other family members. Gloria Gildin, Herb's wife, supplies a heartwarming perspective on Herb's life once he moved to America. Their daughters, Mindy Gildin and Robin Seigerman, deepen our understanding of Herb's experiences, enabling us to see him as not just a survivor, but also a father, a husband, and a human being. Billy Gildin, Herb's son, brings us closer to understanding his father's impact on him and the family.

Director Tyler Gildin, who is also Herb's grandson, injects the film with a remarkable amount of deeply personal insight. He deftly intertwines Herb’s life events with the wider global events that took place, drawing a deeply thought-provoking parallel between personal and universal experiences. His directorial style is intimate and compassionate, allowing viewers to engage emotionally within the historical context. He paints the bigger picture without losing sight of the tiny yet significant details of his grandfather's tale.

The Starfish isn't just about the Holocaust or Herb's journey alone. It delves deep into the larger themes of human resilience, familial bonds, survival, and hope. It is a tribute to the spirit that perseveres in the face of adversity, all the while retaining its innocence and humanity. At its core, The Starfish underscores the importance of preserving and valorising our shared human history.

In summary, The Starfish is an emotionally resonant piece of storytelling that offers a unique and delectably personal addition to the canon of Holocaust documentaries. The audience is led on an emotional exploration that balances the scales between revealling deep-seated scars and honouring a heartwarming triumph of human spirit. A must-watch for history buffs and all those who appreciate compelling personal narratives, "The Starfish" is an unforgettable narrative that thrives at the crossroads of societal history and personal reflection. As it educates, it also moves and inspires, painting a multi-dimensional portrait of a life colored by one of history's darkest periods, yet never once losing its light.