Manchester Jewish Museum

An award-winning documentary about the unknown photographer who created iconic images of the 20th century.

It begins in darkness: the Nazi threat in Germany forces Fred Stein to flee for his life. In 1930s Paris, destitute, he finds a way to support himself – he turns to photography. And thousands of brilliant photographs are born.

The film follows Fred’s and Lilos’ lives as refugees, fleeing from Germany, to Paris and New York. Through Fred’s and Lilo’s own words, taken from letters and diary entries we hear how photography becomes their way to capture the world around them.

Fred Stein’s love for photography lights up the way: weaving throughout the film are images that are sophisticated, beautiful, and touching; as well as his penetrating portraits of some of the most important figures of the mid-20th century, including his famous photos of Albert Einstein and Hannah Arendt. Unfortunately, he dies young and his work never gets the recognition it deserves.

Fred’s son, Peter, believes in his father’s work, and sets out to bring it to the attention of the art world. He soon finds out that it is not an easy task…

Watch the official trailer below:

About Peter Stein

Peter Stein, ASC has been the Director of Photography on over 50 feature films, TV movies, and documentaries, covering the last 40 years and was invited to join the prestigious American Society of Cinematographers in 1999. He grew up learning photography from his father, noted street photographer and portraitist Fred Stein. After deciding on a career in film he became a camera operator on the feature film “Between the Lines” directed by Joan Micklin Silver. He has lensed major studio and independent releases, including drama, comedy, suspense, horror and various cult films – and has been nominated for two Emmy Awards.

Peter was a professor in the Graduate Film Program at New York University for 13 years, where he also served as Head of Production. He manages the photo archive of his father Fred Stein, and produced and directed the film about him “Out of Exile – The Photography of Fred Stein.”

Peter lives in upstate New York with his wife and co-director Dawn Freer and their two cats.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The recommended age guidance for this show is 15+. The film contains themes of war and conflict.

The film is 75 minutes long. During the screening we’ll have a short interval. The film will be followed by a discussion with Peter and Manchester Jewish Museum’s curator, Alex Cropper, about links between Fred and Lilo’s story and wider Jewish refugee experience during the Second World War. The event will finish at 9:15PM.

Doors to the museum will be open from 6pm. The museum’s Café will be open for food and drinks before the show. Please note that food and drinks can not be taken into the synagogue, so please allow enough time before the performance.

Our building includes step free access to the entrance via a ramp and accessible gender neutral toilets. The synagogue is also wheelchair accessible. Click HERE for more Access information. If you have any additional access needs, please e-mail tickets@manchesterjewishmuseum.com in advance.

We are just a 15 minute walk from Victoria Station and Manchester’s Green Quarter. Click HERE for information on travelling to the museum.