Guest Speaker Chris Nicola (2012) USA | UK | Germany, 87 min.

While exploring some of the longest caves in the world in southwestern Ukraine in the 1990s, American caver, Chris Nicola, stumbled onto unusual objects in the Priest’s Grotto Cave: an antique ladies shoe and comb, old buttons, and an old world key. Could the vague rumor be true that Jews had hidden in this cave during WWII? This is the unbelievable story of how, against all odds, a group of Jewish families survived the Holocaust by hiding underground in total darkness for over a year. To date, Nicola has confirmed the story by locating 14 of the original 38 cave dwellers. He co-authored the book that led to the making of this documentary about their experiences.

Even if you think you already know the story, Chris will present important new insights.

Chris Nicola In the mid ‘70s Chris Nicola began his life as an explorer. To date, he has participated, organized and/ or lead over 40 caving expeditions in the Americas, Oceana, Africa, the Caribbean and Europe. Nicola runs the Priest’s Grotto Heritage Project, a genocide awareness project in which the grandchildren of those who lived in the Cave during the Holocaust will be working hand-in-hand with the survivors’ grandchildren on an exhibit to honor those courageous 38. Chris received a Citation of Merit from the Explorer’s Club for his work bringing the Priest’s Grotto story to light.

Tickets available at Southampton Cultural Center, 631.287.4377. [$15/Children $7.50]