OTTILIE MOORE – HEIRESS IN THE RESISTANCE Directed by Dana Plays (grand niece of Ottilie Moore) Tells the story of Ottilie Moore an American heiress, of German and Austrian descent, a Gentile philanthropist, who sheltered WWII refugees under Vichy occupation during WWII. A first generation American of German and Austrian decent, was the daughter of Adolf Gobel, “The Sausage King,” a German immigrant who went from penniless to millionaire when he built up his sausage manufacturing business in Brooklyn NY at the turn of the 20th century at L’Hermitage during WWII (working title): Told in poetic style, this documentary feature film presents interviews with Ottilie Moore’s biological daughter Didi, and those whom she sheltered at her property at L’Hermitage, interviews with adults and children displaced by the war or seeking refuge, including anti-Nazi resistance journalists, film producers, artists and composers for whom she sheltered, provided safe haven for giving birth during the time of WWII with the atrocities of Hitler’s attempt at full genocide of Jewish persons.

OTTILIE MOORE – HEIRESS IN THE RESISTANCE is a long form documentary film that focuses on Ottiie Gobel Moore’s journey, and people she sheltered in France and/or brought to the USA. I have interviews of the subjects involved or those who can speak to the story. It is really an episodic story and that may cover her life and will be followed by more detailed mini-series of episodes, bio, life at L’Hermitage with the refugees and children, many of whom I have been able to track down and interview, by phone or in person, returning to France in post war period. Her bio is woven into the narrative of the movie.

Screenings and Awards

• DOC.BERLIN DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVALBerlin
  Germany
  December 8, 2025
  World Premiere – DOC.BERLIN DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL
  Award Winner –Best Historical Documentary; Tarkovski Grant Recipient
• Chicago Women Film Fest
  Chicago, IL, United States
  Award Nominee – Jan 30, 2026
• London International Filmmaker Festival
  London, United Kingdom
  Award Semi-Finalist – February 25, 2026
• Athens Indie Festival
  Athens, Greece
  April 10, 2026
  Award Winner – Best Historical Film
• Cannes International Film Week
  Cannes, France
  May 13, 2026
  Official Selection, Tarkovski Grant
  

• Distribution and Contact information
• Dana Plays
• danaplays@gmail.com
• © Copyright 2026. All rights reserved.