ESCAPE TO THE SUN

The relationship between Artur Brauner and Menahem Golan is a chapter of its own, appearing to outsiders as casual, almost coincidental, though in reality it was quite close and enduring, even though that was seldom mirrored directly in the credits. On ESCAPE TO THE SUN for example Brauner helped Golan shoot in Berlin. The material must have fascinated Brauner: the film portrays a group of Jewish intellectuals’ attempt to flee the Soviet Union after their official emigration has been rejected. As a producer situated in West Berlin, it was wise to show a certain restraint when dealing with content critical of the USSR, though here – discrete but concrete – one could get away with solidarity with the anti-totalitarian cause.