Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies

 

Prisoner of Her Past

“one of the most emotionally wrenching yet rewarding films I have recently seen”
The Huffington Post

Prisoner of Her Past tells the haunting story of a secret childhood trauma resurfacing, 60 years later, to unravel the life of Holocaust survivor Sonia Reich. The film follows her son, Chicago Tribune jazz critic Howard Reich, as he journeys across the United States and Eastern Europe to uncover why his mother believes the world is conspiring to kill her. Along the way, he finds a family he never knew he had.

This film is the first to expose a little-known illness: late-onset Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Prisoner of Her Past examines the disorder’s devastating effects. But it also shows programs that are aiding young trauma survivors of Hurricane Katrina—and how such early interventions can help.

Howard Reich will provide an introduction to the film and lead a post-show discussion. Following the program, he will sign copies of the DVD and his book The First and Final Nightmare of Sonia Reich. 

Tickets are $18 | $10 for Spertus members | $8 for students

For tickets call 312.322.1773.

Prisoner of Her Past is a project of documentary powerhouse Kartemquin Films (the creators of Hoop Dreams) in association with the Chicago Tribune. This program is made possible with support from the Bernard and Rochelle Zell Center for Holocaust Studies at Spertus.