Arts Emanu-El presents a film about life in German-occupied Denmark

Arts Emanu-El will present the film “Into the Darkness,” which centers on the dilemmas of the Danish population during World War II, on Eventive from April 28 through May 2.

In the film, Karl, the family patriarch, tries to carry on, like the government, farmers and industry are doing. But his efforts to keep his electronics factory going leads him into a problematic collaboration with the Germans.

Karl’s eldest son, Aksel, reacts to the increasing oppression and persecution of Jews and Communists by joining the rising resistance movement.  Another son, Michael, joins the Danish army and fights side by side with the Germans.

A daughter, Helene, is smitten with a dashing German U-boat officer, much to the disgust of her mother.

Meanwhile, Jewish family friends are being taken away, causing members of the family to question their choices.

“Into the Darkness” forces us to address the question of how we reconcile major differences, like party affiliations, within a family?  In addition, movie critic Alex Savelyev says the film serves as “a keen portrait of a deeply divided country, unsure of where its allegiance lies.”

The film is set in Denmark in the three years following the German attack, in April 1940.  In 1943, the Danes fought back against the Germans.

“Into the Darkness” will be shown on Eventive from Thursday, April 28, at 12 p.m., until Monday, May 2, at 11:59 p.m.

In addition, Arts Emanu-El will present “Betrayed,” from Thursday, May 5, at 12 p.m., and “The Good Traitor,” beginning on Thursday, May 19, at 12 p.m., both on Eventive.

Tickets for the films are $20 each, or $50 for all three.  Contact the Temple Emanu-El office (401-331-1616) to purchase a 3-ticket package. To purchase single tickets go to watch.eventive.org/teprov.

PAMELA HANZEL is the chair of Arts Emanu-El at Temple Emanu-El, in Providence.