'Quezon’s Game' is based on a largely forgotten, true story of Holocaust heroism during World War II in the Philippines by Filipino President Manuel L. Quezon — who rescued as many persecuted Jews as Oskar Schindler at a time when most countries were turning their backs."
- Kaylynn Stephens, Wavy.com
Matthew Rosen's critically-acclaimed film "Quezon's Game" tells the lesser-known story of Philippine president Manuel L. Quezon and his role in providing refuge for Jewish refugees during World War II. Quezon worked with American diplomat Paul V. McNutt and US Army Colonel Dwight D. Eisenhower to convince the U.S. to allow the refugees to move to the Philippines, in the end saving more than 1,200 people.
Rosen hopes to reawaken collective consciousness surrounding the historic events that inspired the film. “The world knows about Oskar Schindler’s fight to save Polish Jews thanks to Schindler’s List,” he said. “My sincere hope is that Quezon’s Game will reawaken our collective memory about the rescue of Jewish refugees to the Philippines and the acts of moral courage that made this remarkable true story possible.”
Starring Raymond Bagatsing, Rachel Alejandro, David Bianco, and Kate Alejandrino, the film has since bagged 25 awards in international film festivals. This January, the film is set to screen worldwide and will premiere in Europe at the Troxy on 28 January as part of London’s Holocaust Memorial Day diary.
Several publications worldwide have also sang praises for the film. Lakewood Sentinel's Clarke Reader points out how the film "highlights the importance of love in inspiring people to be better than they are," and adds that the film's soundtrack is "a touching key piece of the film," since it features music by Karel Švenk and Z. Stryjecki, two composers who were imprisoned in WWII Nazi concentration camps.
Kaylynn Stephens of Wavy.com cites how Quezon's efforts, despite being lesser known, actually saved as many persecuted Jews as Oskar Schindler.
Gary Goldstein of Los Angeles times likewise cited that Quezon's brave, little-known feat "is certainly worth committing to film."
"Quezon's Game" is coming to Europe via a Film in Concert Premiere in the UK on January 28, 2020. Screening across Europe will begin on January 30, 2020. To view ticket information and screening schedules, click here.