Television screening for graduate’s film about holocaust survivor

A Teesside University graduate’s film about a Holocaust survivor is to be broadcast on national television.

Robin Pepper made a documentary about Iby Knill while completing the BA (Hons) Television and Film Production at Teesside University.

He contacted Iby to ask if he could make a film about her after reading her book based on her time in Auschwitz. The resulting documentary has since been added to the archives at the Auschwitz Museum in Poland.

And now Robin, who graduated from Teesside University this year, is proud to see his film being shown on national television.

Robin, 22, of Northallerton, said: 'Iby was born in Czechoslovakia where she was excluded from school for being Jewish. She later fled to Hungary, where she was eventually arrested and taken to Auschwitz.

'One of Iby’s most moving stories related to a promise she made to a twin girl while in Auschwitz. She promised she would tell the world what she had seen. It’s what is still motivating her today.'

Robin, who made the film with help from Teesside University colleagues Mark Oxley, 26, of Darlington and Ian Orwin, 22, of Sunderland, while completing the same degree, added: “It’s still doesn’t feel real that our film and Iby’s story is going to be shown on national TV.

'It’s amazing to have played a part in getting Iby’s story out there for the world to hear. To be able to do something like this for Iby is a huge honour.'

He added: 'The journey this film has taken us on has been incredible. From meeting Iby, to filming in Eastern Europe, to writing an article for The Guardian about making the film, to taking part in radio interviews, it’s now amazing that the film is to be shown on television.

'The support from Teesside University has been great. I’m very proud of what Ian, Mark and myself have achieved.

'I hope to continue to work in television and my degree from Teesside University has really helped me to kick start this.'

Robin’s film – Iby Knill: An Auschwitz Promise – is due to be broadcast at 8.30pm on Saturday 7 December on the Community Channel, which can be found on Sky 539, Virgin 233, BT Vision, Freesat 651 and Freeview 87.

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