ZenLily Films’ is embracing international voices in more ways than one!
Our independent documentary film that highlights stories of compassionate acts between enemy soldiers on the WWII battlefield not only includes global veteran voices, but it is being made by a talented international filmmaking team!
During wars, humans become each other’s enemies as soldiers from opposing countries fight. Marked by Grace: Compassion Prevails on the WWII Battlefield, reveals how those battling soldiers have saved each other in the darkest times, even though they come from different nations.
“I think it is really important that we understand that people are people, and that if they see the human side of the equation they can step up in a moment of compassion,” Director and Producer Stephanie Manesis said.
Manesis also described her plans to capture those global stories of humanity by featuring WWII veteran accounts from both sides of the Atlantic.
ZenLily Films’ has conducted interviews with veterans and their families from the United States and Germany, with poignant compassionate acts being shared from both sides. When a German soldier saves American prisoners from execution or an American throws down supplies to a sinking enemy submarine, you can see those little-known moments humanity shine through the bloody war.
To record these stories, ZenLily has collaborated with teams across the nation and the world, with team members from California, New York, North Dakota, France, and Germany. Across countless virtual meetings and email chains, Manesis has worked closely with her crew to deliver a film that is compelling and unique.
Manesis also hopes to extend the film to an international audience.
“The idea is to get the film into schools in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Japan,” Manesis said. “I would also like to go to film festivals in Europe, Canada, and the United States.”
As the project is going into its final stages of filming and editing, ZenLily Films is working hard to include diverse perspectives from multiple countries, collaborate with filmmakers across the globe, and reach as many people as possible.
Stay updated on our international journey by joining our mailing list or following our socials: Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. Have questions or a WWII story of compassion, contact our director and producer Stephanie Manesis at stephanie@zenlilyfilms.com.
