The Children of Chabannes Directed by Lisa Gossels, Dean Wetherell, 1999

A moving record of the unassuming, uncompromising heroism of ordinary people. - The New York Times

In the spirit of Louis Malle’s “Au Revoir les Enfants” and Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List, the Emmy^® Award-winning film THE CHILDREN OF CHABANNES has been praised as “splendid, informative and emotionally involving” (Los Angeles Times) and called “a seamless memoir of courage and a tribute to the human spirit.” (New York Daily News).

A magical World War II tale of resilience and love, THE CHILDREN OF CHABANNES reveals the untold story of how the people of Chabannes – a tiny village in unoccupied France – chose action over indifference to save the lives of 400 Jewish refugee children. Returning to the lush, rural township with her father and uncle (two of the saved children) filmmaker Lisa Gossels and co-director Dean Wetherell spiritedly recreate the joys and fears of daily life in Chabannes long ago. Through warm and wonderful accounts from both the children and the townspeople who risked their lives and livelihoods to protect them, this lyrical film depicts how this oasis of hope was shattered in 1942, when the war reached the doorsteps of the chateau where these kids were housed.

A celebration of human kindness, THE CHILDREN OF CHABANNES delivers a profound message of survival and compassion from a community who simply did what they felt was the right thing to do.

Bonus Features

French Language Version; Filmmaker Biographies; Photo Gallery; Original Children's Journal; Theatrical Trailer; Interactive Menus; Scene Selection

Awards:

News and Documentary Emmy Award-Outstanding Historical Programming with Limited Dramatization;
2001 Emmy Award Winner: Outstanding Historical Programming;
Best Feature Film (Audience Award), The Nantucket Film Festival;
Special Jury Prize, The Avignon Film Festival ;