Critically Acclaimed Holocaust Film ‘Quezon’s Game’ Opens in Chicago and other Theatres in the U.S. and Canada
Toronto-Canada
January 28, 2020
Quezon’s Game actors David Bianco (5th from left) who plays Dwight Eisenhower and Jennifer Blair Bianco (3rd from right) who plays Mamie Eisenhower pose with moviegoers at the opening weekend in Chicago.
Excited moviegoers braved the cold Chicago weather as Quezon’s Game opened on January 24th 2020, in select theatres in the U.S and in Surrey, BC, Canada as this month marks the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz on January 27, 2020.
David Bianco and Jennifer Blair Bianco on the set of Quezon’s Game as Dwight D. Eisenhower and Mamie Eisenhower
Newly appointed to the Philippines, German Embassy Chief of Security, Nazi SS officer Lt. Commander Ebner (Kevin Kraemer) confronts Jewishbusinessman Alex Frieder (Billy Ray Gallion) with disdain as PhilippinePresident Manuel L. Quezon (Raymond Bagatsing) and U.S. Colonel Dwight D. Eisenhower (David Bianco) attempt to diffuse the situation .
Directed by Matthew Rosen, Quezon’s Game is a moving historical drama that has won 25 awards in the international film festival circuit. It recounts an important piece of history that most textbooks have omitted or overlooked about how Philippine President Manuel Quezon (Raymond Bagatsing) rescued over 1,200 Jews from the Holocaust when other nations were not doing anything to help. The movie chronicles how President Quezon and his close friends including Jewish Manila-based businessman Alex Frieder (Billy Ray Gallion), Lieutenant Colonel (future U.S. President) Dwight D. Eisenhower (David Bianco) and American diplomat Paul McNutt (James Paoleli) worked together and gave their all to orchestrate the dramatic rescue.
Quezon’s Game actors Jennifer Blair Bianco (2nd from left) who plays Mamie Eisenhower and David Bianco (2nd from right) who plays Dwight Eisenhower with moviegoers at Cinemark, Melrose Park in Illinois
Chicago-based Quezon’s Game cast members David Bianco and Jennifer Blair-Bianco who play Dwight D. Eisenhower and Mamie Eisenhower attended the opening weekend screenings in Melrose Park, IL and were touched by the outpouring of support and rave reviews. “It was so exciting to see Quezon’s Game on the big screen! It was also nice to see the hard work of this whole team come to fruition. I hope the positive turn out and word of mouth keeps the film in theaters for at least another week! Special thanks to all the people that came to see the film with us!” says Jennifer Blair Bianco.
left photo: Jennifer Blair Bianco; Right photo: Chicago based industry professional Brian Myers
Many were amazed to learn about how President Quezon bravely defied the United States and about the Philippines’ pivotal role in saving the Jews during the Holocaust. “It was an amazingly written, beautifully directed, beautifully shot film. Those are structurally some wonderful things right out of the box. But it really hit a deep place,” says Chicago based industry professional Brian Myers. “The message, especially in any time in the world of the strength, of the power of human belief, of the faith that we have in each other and the faith that we have in our own people, our friends, our family and those around us. It really reached into the essence of that and brought a story to life covering that period of WWII and of the horrors that were taking place in Nazi Germany and told a part of that story that I had never seen or heard of before. And I loved that. I loved being brought into another little piece of history that I’m first getting exposure to and it was beautifully done. I loved it. I thought it was fantastic.”
Quezon’s Game actors David Bianco (4th from left) who plays Dwight Eisenhower and Jennifer Blair Bianco (5th from left) who plays Mamie Eisenhower pose with moviegoers at Cinemark, Melrose Park in Illinois
Other local performing artists including dance instructor Annie Snow remarked on how Quezon’s story, which was almost lost in history, is still so relevant to the world today. “Quezon’s Game is the call to act story of the 1940s that everyone of this generation needs to hear. Its message of the power of one person’s will to make a difference may be crucial now more than ever.” And of course, for the Filipino community, one cannot leave the theatre without feeling overwhelmed with a newfound sense of pride in the nation, the Filipino people, and the fact that we once had a President who was not afraid to go against the United States’ wishes and that of both his allies and political rivals alike in order to do what was right at great personal sacrifice. “Quezon’s Game is a true gem not because of the actual representation of what happened, but also for the creative writing and artistic expression which allowed the audience to experience the emotions and struggles as the story unfolded. The casting was well done, with actors and actresses who effortlessly brought their characters to life, particularly that of President Quezon. His compassion and unwavering determination to help those in need is so characteristic of the Filipino people. The film certainly shines a spotlight on the Philippines’ role in world history that deserves recognition and appreciation,” says moviegoer Aileen Pangan.
Behinds the scenes photo with Jennifer Blair Bianco, Kate Alejandrino and Rachel Alejandro on set
“Working with the Rosen family is a cornerstone of our professional careers,” says David Bianco. “This story was an honor to share. And we are thankful to work with such a willing and wonderful cast and creative team to help tell the story of Quezon’s heroic act.”
