Crafting the Script, Securing Funding for The Monopol

Go behind the scenes of "The Monopol" with director Gal Genossar. This post explores the script development, securing funding for bringing this Holocaust narrative to life.

In-Depth Research and Authenticity

To ensure authenticity, we conducted several key interviews that greatly informed the script. One of the most significant was with Prof. Yitzhak Adiges, one of the few survivors still alive from the Macedonian Jewish community. His insights provided a much deeper understanding of life in the Monopol concentration camp and the broader context of the Holocaust. His personal experiences added layers of authenticity and emotion to the narrative.

We also interviewed Dr. Shelly Dromer, the daughter of Monopol survivors. Dr. Dromer’s dedication to commemorating the Macedonian Jewish community was invaluable. Her contributions, along with those of others, helped us create a narrative that is both historically grounded and deeply human.

Crafting the Script and Securing Funding

With the emotional anchor of Anna’s letter in place, Nati and I set to work on the script for "The Monopol." We were determined to create a narrative that was both historically accurate and emotionally resonant. The scriptwriting process was intense, as we carefully crafted a story that would do justice to the memories we were honoring.

Once the script was complete, we submitted it to the Claims Conference. The submission process was rigorous, with strict requirements for historical accuracy and narrative quality. However, we were confident in our work and determined to see this story brought to life. The Claims Conference was impressed by the topic we chose and the meticulous approach we took. Securing the initial budget from them was a crucial first step.

But this was just the beginning. We knew we needed additional resources to fully realize our vision for "The Monopol." The fundraising process was not easy, but our belief in the project kept us going. We reached out to various individuals and organizations who shared our passion for commemorating the story of the Monopol and the Macedonian Jewish community during the Holocaust.

Through perseverance, we secured additional funding from the Sephardic community in Jerusalem and from Prof. Yitzhak Adiges, a survivor of the Macedonian Jewish community. His support, both financial and intellectual, was instrumental in bringing our vision to life.

Reflections on the Development Process

Looking back, I’m struck by how much this project has shaped me. The long and meticulous development process taught me the crucial importance of investing time in the early stages to achieve a result that is both accurate and authentic. It’s a reminder that no detail is too small when telling a story of this magnitude.

The fundraising process also provided valuable lessons. It taught me how to present a project effectively and the importance of having unwavering faith in the story you’re telling. Belief in your project is contagious, and it’s that belief that ultimately convinced others to support "The Monopol."

The development process reinforced the importance of collaboration. Working closely with Nati, learning from survivors like Prof. Adiges, and receiving support from the Claims Conference all played crucial roles in shaping the film. This wasn’t a journey I could have undertaken alone, and I’m grateful for the partnerships that made it possible.