Film society had a great 2023
Headed by Selwyn Klaas, the group hosts regular events and film screenings accompanied by lavish teas for the community.
Selwyn Klass, coordinator for events hosted by the Historic Documentary Film Society reflects on a bumper 2023 while hoping next year is even better.
“Aside from our gallant Springboks winning the Rugby World Cup for the fourth time, undoubtedly a highlight in 2023 was being featured as ‘favourite monarchist’ on the front page of the paper with the story ‘The Queen and Mr. Klass’ in the celebratory 50th Birthday edition of- the Northcliff Melville Times.”
Over the past decade as co-founder with Henni Erasmus, they have aimed to source rare documentaries and feature films for their communal screenings at The Ditsong Museum of Military History.
“To honour the Platinum Anniversary of the historic crowning of Her late Majesty, in June 1953, we were able to screen restored footage of the coronation, now enhanced in colour.”
He says welcoming Graham Bendell to the screening was a wonderful addition as he was a senior cadette from The Royal Military Headquarters, Sandhurst, ‘who was actually on duty at Parliament Square on that auspicious occasion’.
“Likewise, to recognise the heroism of the Danish community in 1943 by ferrying their Jewish countrymen in fishing boats to the safety of Sweden, we were able through the Royal Danish Embassy to heighten the 80th Anniversary of the rescue mission by screening Across The Waters”
Klaas describes the film as an authentic dramatisation of the events. “The Danish Cultural Attache mentioned her grandparents had considered the Danes noble deed as the moral thing to do.”
One of the attendees recounted how her family had received a ceremonial menorah to acknowledge the selfless role played by her grandfather during the occupation of Denmark.
“As reported previously by the paper, these tributes were initially motivated by my late dad, Harry Klass. I have maintained that legacy as my father was a doyen in the community, as was his mother an active community leader.”
“In considering heroes, sometimes your spontaneous reaction to a crisis is considered heroic. When a stranger likened to a guardian angel steps in to save a situation, their role transcends heroism, it is a blessing.”
“I still marvel how symbolic holidays, Divali, Hannukah, and Christmas are linked by a simple candlelight.”
“My wish for 2024 is that illumination guides our mutual path to a year of renewal.”
