Tell us about yourself – who are you and what do you do?
Hi, our names are Gabriella Blumberg (26) and Jordy Sank (28). We are both South African filmmakers committed to creating impactful documentaries and narrative video content that enlightens the world. Jordy set up “Sanktuary Films” in 2019 and it was under this banner that he and Gabriella collaborated to create their first feature documentary “I Am Here”.
What are you currently up to? Are there any exciting projects ongoing?
Our first collaboration has been our feature documentary I Am Here , directed by Jordy and produced by Gabriella. This documentary follows Ella Blumenthal who is not your average 98-year-old. Her feisty and magnetic personality makes her past even more surprising. Follow this spirited South African Holocaust survivor as she reveals to her family her astonishing life journey and her unwavering appreciation of life. This documentary contrast’s Ella’s vibrant day to day life with stories of her experience surviving the Holocaust. These memories are depicted through dynamic 2D animation, innovatively bringing her storytelling to life.
What’s your best project/work to date?
We are very excited that we have recently signed with Metro International Entertainment to begin sales and distribution of I Am Here. We are thrilled that I Am Here has just picked up the “Audience Award for Best Documentary” at the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival – the biggest film festival in Georgia and one of the most highly respected festivals for Jewish themed content. It has been validating to know that audiences resonate with Ella’s remarkable resilience, boundless energy and unwavering positivity. We hope that this film continues to spark conversation about the dangers of discrimination in all forms.
Who or what inspires you?
This film would not have been made without our team being inspired by Ella and her story. Ella’s personality is truly extraordinary. Despite her hardships and unimaginable experiences, she manages to live each day with positivity. She is now 99 years old, and every night she sleeps with her curtains open so that she can wake up to a new day and be thankful for another day of life. This is a message that resonates with us and we believe will resonate with each person that can encounter her life story. Meeting Ella gave us an insatiable need to capture her personality and share it so that everyone can garner a greater appreciation of life and see a novel perspective of how to overcome trauma.
When you’re not working, what do you like to do?
Both of us love to learn new ideas, we are constantly sharing links to masterclasses and talks by industry experts. To us, honing in on our craft doesn’t feel like work – it keeps us inspired and on our toes!
Finally, what tips or advice could you give to other documentary creatives, just starting out or to the most experienced creatives needing a bit of encouragement?
Don’t be afraid to reach out for help or advice. We had heard that the film industry is cold and everyone only looks out for themself. But through the making of I Am Here we found the opposite to be true. Whenever we were stumped with a problem, be it creative or linked to production, we reached out to industry veterans who took the time to lend us an ear over a video call and offer their expertise. We hope to return the favour to people starting out in the industry.
Hi, our names are Gabriella Blumberg (26) and Jordy Sank (28). We are both South African filmmakers committed to creating impactful documentaries and narrative video content that enlightens the world. Jordy set up “Sanktuary Films” in 2019 and it was under this banner that he and Gabriella collaborated to create their first feature documentary “I Am Here”.
What are you currently up to? Are there any exciting projects ongoing?
Our first collaboration has been our feature documentary I Am Here , directed by Jordy and produced by Gabriella. This documentary follows Ella Blumenthal who is not your average 98-year-old. Her feisty and magnetic personality makes her past even more surprising. Follow this spirited South African Holocaust survivor as she reveals to her family her astonishing life journey and her unwavering appreciation of life. This documentary contrast’s Ella’s vibrant day to day life with stories of her experience surviving the Holocaust. These memories are depicted through dynamic 2D animation, innovatively bringing her storytelling to life.
What’s your best project/work to date?
We are very excited that we have recently signed with Metro International Entertainment to begin sales and distribution of I Am Here. We are thrilled that I Am Here has just picked up the “Audience Award for Best Documentary” at the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival – the biggest film festival in Georgia and one of the most highly respected festivals for Jewish themed content. It has been validating to know that audiences resonate with Ella’s remarkable resilience, boundless energy and unwavering positivity. We hope that this film continues to spark conversation about the dangers of discrimination in all forms.
Who or what inspires you?
This film would not have been made without our team being inspired by Ella and her story. Ella’s personality is truly extraordinary. Despite her hardships and unimaginable experiences, she manages to live each day with positivity. She is now 99 years old, and every night she sleeps with her curtains open so that she can wake up to a new day and be thankful for another day of life. This is a message that resonates with us and we believe will resonate with each person that can encounter her life story. Meeting Ella gave us an insatiable need to capture her personality and share it so that everyone can garner a greater appreciation of life and see a novel perspective of how to overcome trauma.
When you’re not working, what do you like to do?
Both of us love to learn new ideas, we are constantly sharing links to masterclasses and talks by industry experts. To us, honing in on our craft doesn’t feel like work – it keeps us inspired and on our toes!
Finally, what tips or advice could you give to other documentary creatives, just starting out or to the most experienced creatives needing a bit of encouragement?
Don’t be afraid to reach out for help or advice. We had heard that the film industry is cold and everyone only looks out for themself. But through the making of I Am Here we found the opposite to be true. Whenever we were stumped with a problem, be it creative or linked to production, we reached out to industry veterans who took the time to lend us an ear over a video call and offer their expertise. We hope to return the favour to people starting out in the industry.