Some stories stick with you long after you’ve heard them, and the one behind 13 Driver’s Licenses is definitely one of those.
This documentary tells a powerful story of a town facing its past, and you can experience it for yourself on Saturday, December 7, at 7:00 PM at the Hoboken Historical Museum.
The screening is part of Universal Human Rights Month, hosted by the Thomas Edison Film Festival (TEFF)—and it’s free to attend!
Join us for a moving film, followed by a Q&A with the creators, as we honor Universal Human Rights Month.
- 13 Driver’s Licenses tells how high school students uncovered the hidden lives of Jewish people in a small German town after finding old driver’s licenses from 1938.
- After the movie, you can join a live Q&A with the director Ryoya Terao, writer/producer Elisabeth Gareis, and composer David B. Smith to learn more about the story and how the film was made.
- The film shows how understanding and remembering the past can help with healing, forgiveness, and building connections for the future.
What’s 13 Driver’s Licenses All About?
In 1938, a small German town confiscated driver’s licenses from 13 Jewish residents.
Those licenses were hidden away and forgotten—until they were found decades later.
A group of high school students decided to investigate the mystery with the help of their teacher.
Who were these people? What happened to them?
The more they learned, the more their town had to face some hard truths about its history.
The film, directed by Ryoya Terao, shares this incredible story.
It’s about remembering those who were lost, understanding what happened, and starting the hard work of healing and reconciliation.
It’s not just a history lesson—it’s a reminder that the past can still teach us important lessons today.
Meet the People Behind the Film
This isn’t just a movie screening—it’s an event. After the film, there will be a Q&A session with the team behind it:
- Ryoya Terao, the director
- Elisabeth Gareis, the writer and producer
- David B. Smith, the music composer
You’ll get the chance to hear how the film was made, ask questions, and learn more about Ryoya’s next project.
He’s working on a feature-length documentary that goes even deeper, exploring how the descendants of Jewish residents and non-Jewish residents of the town are connecting today.
It’s a powerful continuation of the story.
Event Details You Don’t Want to Miss
Here’s everything you need to know:
- When: Saturday, December 7, 2024
- Time: 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
- Where: Hoboken Historical Museum, 1301 Hudson Street, Hoboken, NJ
- Cost: Absolutely free!
- Parking: Free for up to three hours with validation at the Littleman Parking-Independence Garage (Shipyard Lane at 12th St.). Because no one wants to stress about finding a spot.
Why You Should Come
This isn’t just a film—it’s an experience. 13 Driver’s Licenses is a story about truth, courage, and learning from the past.
It’s about young people making a difference and showing that history doesn’t have to stay buried.
Watching this documentary will make you think, feel, and maybe even see things in a new way.
And it’s not every day you get to meet the people who made the film.
The Q&A session is a rare chance to hear straight from the director, writer, and composer about how they brought this story to life.
Don’t Miss It!
If you care about history and human rights or just love a story that makes you think, this event is for you.
Mark your calendar, tell your friends, and head to the Hoboken Historical Museum on December 7.
And remember, it’s free—so there’s really no excuse not to go.
See you there!
