NICE, THE DARK YEARS 1940–1944
January 22, 2016
Conference organised by Viviane Harroch, under the scientific direction of Jean-Louis Panicacci and Jérémy Guedj
From February 3 to 5, 2016
In several sessions, this conference will look back at this dark period in Nice, varying the approaches, from politics to culture, and the scales, from the city to the individual. A reminder of the main stages that marked local life from the summer of 1940 to the summer of 1944 will set the background against which the people of Nice lived their daily lives (round table). Between history and memory, the conference will also examine the role and condition of various groups and communities under the ordeal of occupation and persecution. Nevertheless, acts of bravery and rescue sometimes overcame the darkness that, in those years, overshadowed the Baie des Anges.
Under the High Patronage of Mr Christian Estrosi, MP and Mayor of Nice, President of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis. Conference organised by Viviane Harroch, under the scientific direction of Jean-Louis Panicacci and Jérémy Guedj.
CONFERENCE / CUM
WEDNESDAY 3 FEBRUARY
2 p.m. Official opening of the conference in the presence of Serena Lippi, Consul General of Italy in Nice and Dean of the Consular Corps.
2.15 p.m. Address by Mrs Viviane Harroch, organiser of the conference.
2.30 p.m. Introduction by Jérémy Guedj, doctor of contemporary history, researcher at the University of Nice Sophia Antipolis.
SESSION 1 “Nice, 1940–1944: a history in three phases”
Chair: Patrick Cabanel, professor of contemporary history at the University of Toulouse, director of studies at the École Pratique des Hautes Études.
2.45 p.m. “Nice and its people under Vichy” by Claude Roman, research engineer at the University of Nice Sophia Antipolis.
3.15 p.m. “The policy of the Italian occupation authorities and its vicissitudes” by Paolo Veziano, historian, member of the Historical Institute of the Resistance in Imperia.
3.45 p.m. “Nice and its people under the German jackboot” by Jean-Louis Panicacci, senior lecturer at the University of Nice Sophia Antipolis, president of the Friends of the Museum of the Resistance on the Côte d’Azur.
Followed by a discussion with the audience.
SESSION 2 “Daily life in Nice in the dark years”
4.45 p.m. Round table chaired by Jean-Marie Guillon, emeritus professor of contemporary history at Aix-Marseille University, in the presence of Serge Klarsfeld, writer, historian and lawyer, notably for the cause of the Jewish deportees from France, known for his relentless pursuit of Nazi war criminals; Jean-Louis Panicacci, senior lecturer at the University of Nice Sophia Antipolis; and Ralph Schor, emeritus professor of contemporary history at the University of Nice Sophia Antipolis.
Followed by a discussion with the audience.
THURSDAY 4 FEBRUARY: SESSION 3 “Nice and its people in the dark years, from history to memory”
Chair: Georges-Marc Benamou, journalist, writer and film producer.
10 a.m. “Nice, 1940–1944: singularity and common ground” by Jean-Marie Guillon.
10.30 a.m. “The Jews in Nice from Vichy to the German occupation” by Serge Klarsfeld.
11 a.m. “The places of memory of the dark years” by Michèle Merowka, doctor of anthropology, president of the Association for the Memory of the Jewish Children Deported from the Alpes-Maritimes.
Followed by a discussion with the audience.
SESSION 4 “A glimmer in the darkness”
Chair: Georges-Marc Benamou.
2 p.m. “The Righteous Among the Nations” by Daniel Wancier, President of the Yad Vashem Committee of Nice Côte d’Azur.
2.20 p.m. “Monseigneur Rémond and the Church in Nice from 1940 to 1944” by Ralph Schor.
2.40 p.m. “The Protestants of Nice and their pastors in the face of the persecution of the Jews” by Patrick Cabanel.
3 p.m. “The Marcel network and the rescue of 527 Jewish children” by Fred Coleman, American journalist, author of The Marcel Network (French edition: Éditions Acropole).
3.20 p.m. Testimony of Jeannette Wolgust, hidden and saved by the Marcel network.
3.40 p.m. “The decisive commitment of Angelo Donati” by Dr Patrizia di Luca, head of the Centre for Research on Emigration at the Emigrants’ Museum in San Marino.
4 p.m. Testimony of Marianne Spier-Donati, saved and adopted with her brother Rolf by Angelo Donati.
Followed by a discussion with the audience.
5 p.m. “The Baie des Anges during the dark years”, filmed interview with Max Gallo, journalist, novelist, politician and member of the Académie française, by Viviane Harroch and Georges-Marc Benamou.
5.20 p.m. Conclusion of the conference by Ralph Schor.
5.50 p.m. “A literary view, through Charlotte Salomon” by David Foenkinos, novelist and screenwriter, winner of the Prix Renaudot and the Prix Goncourt des Lycéens for his novel Charlotte.
6 p.m. Closing of the conference by Mr Christian Estrosi, MP and Mayor of Nice, President of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis.
EXHIBITION / MUSÉE MASSÉNA
THURSDAY 4 FEBRUARY: OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE EXHIBITION CHARLOTTE SALOMON. LIFE? OR THEATRE?
7 p.m. In the presence of David Foenkinos. An exhibition of originals – drawings, pastels and previously unseen archives – devoted to the work of Charlotte Salomon, in association with the Jewish Historical Museum in Amsterdam.
FRIDAY 5 FEBRUARY: EXHIBITION CHARLOTTE SALOMON. LIFE? OR THEATRE?
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Every day except Tuesday, until May 24.
CINÉMATHÈQUE
FRIDAY 5 FEBRUARY: 1940–1944, NICE, CAPITAL OF CINEMA
Programme of films made during the Occupation, and a lecture.
2 p.m. Screening of Les Visiteurs du soir by Marcel Carné [2 hours]
4 p.m. “1940–1944, Nice, capital of cinema” by René Prédal, academic, essayist, film critic, film theorist and historian.
5.30 p.m. Screening of Les Enfants du Paradis by Marcel Carné [3 hours 10]
On the occasion of these events, the City of Nice is paying tribute to Angelo Donati: a commemorative plaque will be put up at 37 BIS PROMENADE DES ANGLAIS, in the presence of Serge Klarsfeld.