I Am What I Choose to Be
A Feature Documentary
The extraordinary story of Holocaust survivor Sami Steigmann
Preserving the Past. Inspiring the Future.
I Am What I Choose to Be tells the extraordinary story of Holocaust survivor Sami Steigmann.
Born in 1939, Sami survived Nazi persecution and medical experimentation as a young child during the Holocaust. Decades later, after experiencing homelessness and profound personal hardship, he transformed his life into a mission of hope, resilience, and education. Today, he is one of the world's most respected Holocaust educators, inspiring hundreds of thousands of students with his message that we are not defined by what happens to us, but by what we choose to become.
More than a Holocaust documentary, the film explores universal themes of resilience, compassion, forgiveness, and the enduring power of choice. It also examines the continuing relevance of Holocaust education today, including the national and international attention surrounding Sami's appearance at New York City Public School MS447 and his lifelong EMET mission:
Educate. Motivate. Empower. Tolerance.
Produced by award-winning author and podcast host Dan Cohen and directed by award-winning filmmaker Christiane Arbesu of Terrebonne Productions, the documentary combines intimate interviews, archival materials, and contemporary storytelling to preserve Sami's remarkable legacy for future generations.
Watch the Concept Trailer
Experience the vision behind I Am What I Choose to Be by watching our three-minute concept trailer.
▶ Watch the Trailer
https://vimeo.com/1199903550/625d663fc7?fl=pl&fe=sh
Documentary Overview
Learn more about the documentary, our creative team, production status, and vision.
View the Documentary Overview
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1liqlYnGKx2a_kmFWbLlOMatCUSpPU8Tt/view?usp=drive_link
Support the Documentary
I Am What I Choose to Be is fiscally sponsored by Worldwide Friends Foundation (d/b/a Israel Friends), a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Your tax-deductible contribution will help fund production, interviews, archival licensing, editing, educational outreach, marketing, and distribution, ensuring that Sami's story reaches audiences around the world.
Support the Documentary
https://israelfriends.info/sami
Contact
Dan Cohen
Producer