My Italian Secret: The Forgotten Heroes

My Italian Secret: The Forgotten Heroes is a captivating yet heart-wrenching documentary that sets out to explore a less-told chapter of World War II. This 2014 film, directed by Oren Jacoby and featuring Andrea Bartali, Suor Benedetta, and Pietro Borromeo, uncovers the remarkable stories of ordinary Italian citizens who covertly risked their lives to save Jews, refugees, and soldiers during the horrific times of the Holocaust.

The documentary takes its title from the hidden actions of these unsung heroes. Many of these courageous individuals remained unknown for decades, their heroic deeds shadowed by the war's atrocities and the contentious post-war politics of Italy. These included nuns, priests, farmers, and even well-known sports figures who transcended the darkness of hatred to show humanity at its finest.

One such story is that of cycling champion Gino Bartali - an adored sports figure who used his popularity as a cloak to aid the persecuted. Bartali, father of Andrea Bartali, who appears in the film, would smuggle false identity papers in the frame of his bicycle during long training rides, helping Jews to evade capture. He was among the hundreds who ignored the risks, reminding viewers of a resilient Italian society that stood firm against the Nazi atrocities.

Suor Benedetta, one of the film's featured individuals, was an Italian nun who provided refuge to Jewish people faced with deportation and certain death in concentration camps. Similarly, Pietro Borromeo, an unsung hero of northern Italy, also played an instrumental role in harboring refugees throughout the war.

The film is more than a lesson in history. It is a tribute to those brave people who fought to uphold humanity when the world around them trembled with fear and hatred. The film allows viewers to travel back in time, perusing the cobblestone streets of Italy’s most iconic cities, from Rome to Florence, revealing untold stories from the numerous Italian families who displayed heart-wrenching courage.

My Italian Secret: The Forgotten Heroes combines first-hand accounts, archival footage, dramatic reenactments, and personal letters. The film idiosyncratically presents the anecdotes of survivors-- some of whom have never shared their experiences before, as well as Italian families who passed on the stories of their ancestors' kindness down the generations.

The film underscores the power of the human spirit and the capacity for individuals to effect enormous change, even in the face of overwhelming odds. It provokes thought and reflection on the idea of remembrance, amplifying the voices of those who refused to stand idle despite the inherent risks associated with defying totalitarian regimes.

While the film is steeped in traumatic history, the director skillfully maneuvers the narrative to include intervals of lightness by introducing elements of Italian culture, cuisine, and the stunning scenery of the Italian countryside. These moments of relief effectively serve to contrast the grim reality of Holocaust persecution with a defiant spirit of resilience and humanity.

Throughout the film, the director blends history, archival footage, personal narratives, and captivating aesthetics to yield a deeply moving and informational work of cinema that broadens our understanding of the Holocaust's untold stories.

My Italian Secret: The Forgotten Heroes is more than just a WWII document. It is a testament to the heroism of ordinary people who chose to stand against tyranny, even at great personal risk. It renews faith in the fundamental goodness of humanity and inspires viewers to question what courage truly means.

This emotionally enthralling documentary encourages reflection on racism, hatred, and every individual’s responsibility to stand for justice. It is a stark reminder of the potential horrors that can ensue when tolerance and respect are suspended, and how ordinary individuals, when animated by a sense of justice, can resist in their unique ways.

Engaging and illuminating, My Italian Secret: The Forgotten Heroes is an edifying cinematic journey through war-torn Italy that leaves its audience with an improved understanding of history and the value of personal heroism. It pays tribute to unsung Italian heroes, cherishing their contributions and ensuring that their stories endure for generations to come.