A NEW documentary about a Dumfriesshire woman who died in Auschwitz during World War II is being made for schools.
Filmmakers hope that the story of Jane Haining, who refused to abandon Jewish girls in her care and flee for her personal safety, will powerfully resonate with young people and deepen their understanding of the Holocaust.
The film will chart her story from growing up in Dunscore, attending Dumfries Academy and working as a secretary in Coats thread making factory in Paisley before taking up her matron role in Budapest at a school for Jewish and Christian girls.
Miss Haining helped keep pupils safe until March 1944 – when she was jailed before being transported by rail cattle wagon to Auschwitz on May 14 1944.
Forced to work as a slave labourer, she only survived a few months. Her death certificate said she died in hospital, age 47, succumbing to cachexia following intestinal catarrh, but it is likely she died in a gas chamber.
The film is being made by the Unison trade union, which is committed to Holocaust education.
It features an interview with Deirdre McDowell, Miss Haining’s niece, and Dumfries Academy history teacher Heather Chalk and some of her S2 pupils who are learning about the courageous matron.
The documentary makers also interviewed members of Dunscore Parish Church, which is home to a permanent exhibition dedicated to Miss Haining.
Unison Scottish convener Mark Ferguson has been taking people to the Auschwitz camps for the past eight years.
He hopes the film will illustrate their work and Jane’s story and said: “This work could not have been possible without the active involvement of Jane’s family members who have joined us at events and campaigning, providing an important insight into her life.
“Dumfries Academy and Dunscore Heritage Centre, as well as members of the local community, feature in the film and we thank them for their participation.”
The film will be ready in January and will initially air in Renfrewshire but could be rolled out nationally in future.
