Award-Winning Documentary Filmmaker Visits Crossroads for Equity & Justice Institute Event

On Thursday, Jan. 29, Crossroads welcomed Beth Lane P’13, P’14, P’14 for a screening of her award-winning documentary, “UnBroken.” Jewish Student Union co-leaders Ava Morris ’27 and Jacob Liszt ’26 opened the event by welcoming Beth and attendees for an evening of community engagement.

 

“UnBroken” tells the story of the Weber siblings and their escape from Nazi Germany. Through her family’s history, Beth Lane brings forward a narrative of resilience, moral courage and the quiet decisions that shape lives across generations. The film invites reflection on memory, responsibility and the enduring impact of individual choices made in times of fear and uncertainty.

 

In a moment marked by rising antisemitism, growing hostility toward immigrants and refugees, and ongoing debates about how history is taught and remembered, this screening carried particular weight. Stories like “UnBroken” aim to deepen viewers’ understanding of how prejudice takes hold and how ordinary people respond. The film illuminated the role of upstanders, the consequences of silence and the responsibility communities carry to protect human dignity.

 

Following the screening, Maria Belafonte ’15 joined Beth in conversation about filmmaking, family legacy and the work of carrying history forward. Their dialogue highlighted the power of storytelling to preserve truth, strengthen community and encourage civic engagement grounded in empathy and accountability.

 

The gathering reflected the mission of the Crossroads’ Equity & Justice Institute to foster inquiry, dialogue and action rooted in justice. In coming together to bear witness, the attendees reaffirmed their commitment to equity, courage and care. The evening served as a reminder that memory shapes how people live, lead and show up for one another.