The documentary, The Pastoral Letter, is the story of one of the great characters of the Danish Occupation, Bishop Hans Fuglsang-Damgaard. In September 1943 the Bishop released a pastoral letter, in which he severely criticized the Nazi persecution of the Jews and strongly urged the Danish churchgoers to help their fellow Jewish countrymen. The letter was read out loud by 2,000 priests in churches all over Denmark during service on October 3, 1943.
Former Chief Rabbi Bent Lexner and Historian and Journalist Bent Blüdnikow take us on a historic road movie, using stills, interviews with experts and family members, Fuglsang-Damgaard’s own memoirs, letters and documents to paint a portrait of Bishop Fuglsang-Damgaard. Who was Bishop Fuglsang-Damgaard, and what gave him the courage to act so bravely, risking his life in the process?
The film will be broadcast on Danish Television, DR, in October celebrating the 80 years anniversary of the Danish Jews Escape to Sweden.
The film has been founded by Københavns Kommune, Augustinus Fonden, Louis-Hansens Fond, Levins Fond, Chas Otzens Fond and Ernst og Vibeke Husmans Fond.
Director & Cinematographer: Casper Høyberg
Producer & Co-director: Ulrik Gutkin
Editor: Jens Bidstrup
Assisting Producer and Fundraiser: Marianne Abildgaard