How To Watch “How Saba Kept Singing”
The feature documentary “How Saba Kept Singing”
is now available to stream on YouTube, and screening in select cities.
You can stream the full version now on YouTube.
Watch the documentary trailer:
Watch the full documentary:
While a shorter version premiered on PBS in 2023, the full feature-length documentary (79min) has been made available to now stream and share online. The director’s cut of “How Saba Kept Singing” is the same version which has been screened in theaters, film festivals, and in private presentations, with over 20 additional minutes that could not fit on TV for the PBS broadcast – including an original song composed for the film (which appears over the closing credits).
After the premiere on PBS, the producers at Retro Report have decided this story is too important and should be accessible to everyone. And we agree.
I hope everyone gets to see this film, to take it in to your hearts, to think about it and talk about it, and to meet my Saba. If you missed it on PBS, or if you just want to see it again and SHARE it – now you can!
The world needs to hear this story. Watch it HERE.
ABOUT THE FILM: The award-winning documentary film, How Saba Kept Singing, shares the story of Cantor, Holocaust Survivor, and Military Veteran, David “Saba” Wisnia, who spends his later years traveling with his grandson and musical accompanist, Avi Wisnia, sharing the story of how he survived the Holocaust through music which the duo perform together. For years, Cantor Wisnia’s story centered around the belief that he survived Auschwitz mainly by using his beautiful singing voice to entertain his Nazi captors. These performances in the death camp gave him status as a ”privileged prisoner.” However, when David takes his family back to Poland for one last performance, Avi starts asking questions and they discover that someone else had a hand in Saba’s survival. A powerful and uplifting story about music, faith, family and resilience, proving love can grow and take hold in even the darkest of places. This film is directed by Sara Taksler (Tickling Giants), and Executive Produced by Hillary Rodham Clinton and Chelsea Clinton.
David Wisnia’s story became an international sensation when featured in the New York Times and Buzzfeed. The film How Saba Kept Singing premiered at the HotDocs Toronto International Documentary Festival (2022) and made its national TV debut on PBS in 2023. The documentary was honored with the Audience Award at the Rutgers Jewish Film Festival, and is currently nominated for a News & Documentary EMMY Award.
“How Saba Kept Singing” is also screening in select cities,
often accompanied by musical performance and discussion with Avi Wisnia.
See the tour page for film dates and details.
Educational Resources
Teachers, Educators, Community Leaders: “How Saba Kept Singing” is now available with Education Resources, Lessons Plans, Film Clips and Discussion Guides – along with short clips and the film itself. Consider incorporating the documentary into your curriculum this year. Encourage your community to join the journey with David Wisnia to learn more about the Holocaust.
Access videos, links, and documents in the Educational Resource Collection for free:
>> www.retroreport.org/education/resources/how-saba-kept-singing-film-screening
“Classroom resources accompanying Retro Report’s documentary “How Saba Kept Singing” will help students gain a deeper understanding of life at the Auschwitz Nazi concentration camp; explore the connections in music, humanity and perseverance; and examine how anti-Semitism has evolved through modern history.” Resources are divided up by age group, theme, and activity.
Please share these resources with your friends, educators, school districts and communities.
Let us make sure that future generations Never Forget.
You can find all education resources and read more about the film HERE.
The Wisnias had a Watch Party for the National PBS Premiere of our family feature documentary
How Saba Kept Singing.
Thank you for watching with us!!
Read more about David Wisnia’s story of survival with his memoir ONE VOICE TWO LIVES.
Read more about our travels & the music we made together by visiting the page MY POLISH WISNIA.
Read more about How “SABA” Became A Film.
