After seeing the film “The Secret of Kells,” San Francisco State University student Collin Searls knew he wanted to create an animated movie in a similar vein for his thesis project. He didn’t have to look too far for inspiration on the subject. Searls decided to create a documentary-style, partially animated film about his great-grandmother, Rose Kurek, who had survived the Holocaust. The film went on to win 2nd Place Student Animation in the 2016 ASIFA Spring Festival and help Searls earn his bachelor of arts degree.

The National Holocaust Centre and Museum, founded by USC Shoah Foundation Executive Director Stephen Smith and James Smith, will commemorate its 20th anniversary June 26 with a service at Westminster Abbey in London.