LUSTIG.
The story of a hero, told by a coward.
Directed by John Black, Lustig is a poignant post-World War II short film that explores survivor's guilt and the pursuit of redemption. The story follows a man haunted by his time in a concentration camp as he embarks on a journey to deliver a message to the family of a fallen friend. With its emotional depth and historical significance, Lustig earned recognition at multiple festivals, including the Rosebud Film Festival, the Toronto Independent Film Festival and the Virginia Independent Film Festival.
A Story Inspired by Oscar-Winning Producer Branko Lustig:
The story of Lustig was personally told to filmmaker John Black by Branko Lustig, the Academy Award-winning producer of Schindler’s List. A Holocaust survivor himself, Lustig’s experiences and insight deeply influenced the film’s themes of moral reckoning, survivor’s guilt, and the lasting scars of war.
Global Recognition & European Premiere:
Lustig has played at festivals across the globe, bringing its powerful message to audiences worldwide. The film’s European premiere took place at the Zagreb Jewish Film Festival, where Branko Lustig himself introduced the film. Lustig was given the honor of opening the festival alongside the acclaimed film The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, further solidifying its place as a significant cinematic work exploring the impact of the Holocaust.
Awards & Honors:
"We are excited and proud to be the North American distributors of this emotionally potent and historically significant short film. Lustig is an important piece of cinema, and we look forward to seeing what director John will be doing next."— Rebeca Conget, VP Acquisitions and Distribution, Film Movement
Official Selection:
The Wisconsin Film Festival / United States
The Virginia Film Festival / United States
The Mainline Film Festival / United States
The Virginia Independent Film Festival / United States
The Rosebud Festival / United States
The George Mason Film Festival / United States
The Palm Springs Short Film Fest & Film Market / United States
Virginia State Film Festival / United States
The Moonlight Film Festival / United States
The CINEviews Film Festival / United States
Zagreb Jewish Film Festival / Croatia
Jewish Eye World Jewish Film Festival / Israel
The Rose City Film Festival / United States
The Toronto Independent Film Festival / Canada
T.O. Shorts Film Festival / Canada
Festival Awards:
Winner: The Rosebud Film Festival
Winner: The Virginia Independent Film Festival
Finalist: Zagreb Jewish Film Festival
Audience Award: Toronto Independent Film Festival
Audience Award: T.O. Shorts Film Festival
Finalist: Jewish Eye World Jewish Film Festival
Finalist: The Virginia Screenwriting Competition
Lustig – Virginia Independent Screenwriting Competition Winner
The feature-length script for Lustig won the Virginia Independent Screenwriting Competition, continuing the state’s tradition of fostering bold and original storytelling. Virginia has been home to many successful filmmakers, including Vince Gilligan, who later created Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul after having his early screenplay Home Fries recognized by the Virginia Screenwriting Competition. The state has also nurtured filmmakers like Jeff Nichols (Mud, Loving), S. Craig Zahler (Bone Tomahawk), and Megan Holley (Sunshine Cleaning), all of whom have made a lasting impact on cinema.
Lustig Cast List:
Scott Carter as Coward
Jeff Wincott as German Sergeant
Ilka W. Fischer as Mother
Elliot Evans (credited as Eric Evans) as Young Boy
Alex O'Meara as Hero
James McCoy as 1st German Soldier
Eric Frein as 2nd German Soldier
Riley B. Watts as 3rd German Soldier
Steve Hurwitz
Walt Garde
Brian Allen Plummer
Steve Crisci
Carlin Power
Aleks Blinovskyy
Yuriy Cherepnya
Josh Lingerfelt
James Moss
Jonathan Gagnon
Dylan Goodwin
Tanner Braaten
Joseph Lattuada
Philip Greene
Crew List:
Director: John Francis Black II
Writer: John Francis Black II
Producers:
John Francis Black II – Executive Producer
Ruben Flores Rios II – Co-Executive Producer
Carrie Morrison – Post-Production Producer
David Honaker – Associate Producer
Cinematographer: Max Fischer
Editor: Nick Wurz
Music Composers:
Nathan Altice
Nick Wurz
Art Director: Ann-Ruffin Minarik
Makeup Department:
Sharon Barrett – Makeup Department Head
Jennifer Santiago – Hair Department Head
Assistant Directors:
GiGi Almachar
Yuriy Cherepnya
Sound Department:
William Britt – Sound Mixer
Chris Jones – Boom Operator
Jeff McManus – Sound Designer
Glen Piegari – Post Sound Mix
Camera and Electrical Department:
Gene Ertel – Grip
Lucas Krost – Assistant Camera
Keriene Lucas – Second Assistant Camera
James A. Ray – Gaffer
Jarrod Russell – Electrician
Christopher A. Thompson – Best Boy Electrician
Rob Vaughan – Key Grip
Casting Department: Jamie Salcido – Extras Casting
Costume and Wardrobe Department: Kevin R. Hershberger – Costumer