After immigrating to America in 1953, Peter Ertel worked nearly three decades for a small industrial chemical firm in Cleveland, Ohio. The Jewish owners knew Peter served five years in the German Army during World War II and would later be considered like family.

The award-winning documentary about Peter’s unfathomable journey will be presented 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 29 at the Allen Public Library. After the presentation, the film’s director and producer Joseph Cahn will be available through a live online platform for questions and discussion.

Peter was one of thousands of Germans forced to serve in the German army despite contempt for the Nazis. Failure to comply meant torture, imprisonment, and execution, not only for themselves but for their families as well. The Unimaginable Journey of Peter Ertel is a riveting saga of the life of a man who defied insurmountable odds in an unforgiving environment and who later found healing in America.  For more information about the film, visit  https://www.peterertelfilm.com/press-kit-trailer .  

Winner of the "David Ponce Best of the Fest Award" at the 2017 Chagrin Documentary Film Festival, the "Founders' Choice Award" at the 2016 G.I. Film Festival, this film is directed and produced by Joseph Cahn with Victory Films.

Before starting his own production company Victory Films in 2004, Joseph Cahn was a producer with NFL Films. At the film production company of the National Football League, Cahn wrote and edited highlight films and story pieces for HBO, ESPN, and home video.

This program is a collaboration between the Allen Public Library and Allen Senior Recreation Center. Sponsored by the generosity of Dallas Jewish Funerals and Distinctive Life Cremation and Funeral Services, this is a free event.

Can’t be there in person? The program will also be streamed live on ACTV. Find viewing options at Watch ACTV or view online at  ACTV.org or YouTube.com/AllenCityTV 

The library is located at 300 N. Allen Dr. Call 214-509-4911 for additional information.