In My Father’s Words is a 2026 American documentary directed by Jacob Wise and executive-produced by author and speaker Anna Salton Eisen.
The film draws from Eisen’s books Pillar of Salt: A Daughter’s Life in the Shadow of the Holocaust and The 23rd Psalm: A Holocaust Memoir.
The documentary follows Eisen as she investigates her father Lucian Salton’s experiences during the Holocaust and retraces his imprisonment across ten concentration camps in Poland, Germany, and France.
Through archival research, survivor artwork, personal testimony, 3D modeling, and animation, she reconnects with stories from the past and explores how Holocaust trauma continues across generations.
The documentary is approximately 90 minutes long and is expected to receive educational, theatrical, and streaming distribution following its festival run via Anna Salton Eisen LLC.
In My Father’s Words Age Rating
In My Father’s Words is officially rated PG-13 for thematic/violent content involving the Holocaust. The rating reflects the documentary’s serious historical subject matter, including genocide, concentration camps, wartime brutality, executions, starvation, imprisonment, and human suffering. The film approaches these subjects as historical testimony rather than entertainment, but some material may still be emotionally difficult for younger viewers.
Violence & Peril
The violence is moderate to strong in subject matter, although the documentary does not appear to present violence in a sensational way. Much of the disturbing material comes through historical accounts, archival imagery, survivor artwork, and discussions about atrocities committed during the Holocaust.
The documentary addresses concentration camps, executions, starvation, physical abuse, imprisonment, and the systematic persecution of Jewish people during World War II. Some historical photographs and artistic representations may show suffering, confinement, deprivation, or the consequences of violence.
The use of animation and 3D modeling may make certain historical events easier to visualize. Parents should understand that the film’s emotional impact comes largely from the reality of the events being discussed.
Language
Language is a minor concern compared with the documentary’s historical themes. The film has a serious and reflective tone, with little indication of frequent profanity.
Historical testimony and personal accounts may include strong expressions of grief, anger, fear, or despair. Any harsh language is secondary to the documentary’s educational and emotional purpose.
Mature Themes
Mature themes are the primary content concern in In My Father’s Words. The documentary deals directly with the Holocaust, genocide, antisemitic persecution, concentration camps, mass death, starvation, torture, loss of family, and the lasting psychological effects of trauma.
The film also explores intergenerational trauma and the difficulty of understanding experiences endured by previous generations. Anna’s investigation into her father’s past gives the documentary an intimate emotional dimension beyond its historical subject matter.
Parents should also expect discussions of death and human cruelty. The material may be particularly upsetting for children who have little prior understanding of the Holocaust or World War II.
There is no indication that sexual content, nudity, or substance use is a significant concern. The documentary’s mature content is overwhelmingly centered on historical violence, genocide, grief, trauma, and remembrance.
Is In My Father’s Words Suitable for Teens?
Ages 13–15: With Guidance. The documentary can be appropriate for mature younger teenagers studying World War II or the Holocaust. Parents and teachers should prepare them for discussions of genocide, concentration camps, executions, starvation, and severe human suffering.
Ages 16–17: Yes. Older teenagers are generally better prepared for the documentary’s historical and emotional material. The film can provide meaningful educational value while encouraging discussions about antisemitism, remembrance, historical responsibility, and intergenerational trauma.
Ages 18+: Yes. Adults should have no age-related concerns, although the Holocaust testimony and historical imagery can still be emotionally heavy. Viewers should approach the documentary with an understanding that its subject matter is inherently disturbing.
Final recommendation: In My Father’s Words is best suited for teens aged 13 and older with guidance, and is particularly appropriate for older teens studying Holocaust or World War II history.
What Parents Can Do
- Prepare children for the subject matter: Explain what the Holocaust was before watching, especially if your child has limited knowledge of World War II history.
- Discuss the historical context: Talk about antisemitism, Nazi persecution, concentration camps, and the human consequences of genocide in an age-appropriate way.
- Allow time for discussion afterward: The film raises difficult questions about trauma, memory, family history, and responsibility. Encourage teenagers to talk about their reactions rather than moving immediately to another activity.
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for In My Father’s Words?
A: In My Father’s Words is rated PG-13 for thematic/violent content involving the Holocaust.
Q: Is In My Father’s Words suitable for kids?
A: It is not recommended for young children because it deals directly with genocide, concentration camps, executions, starvation, and severe human suffering.
Q: Is In My Father’s Words suitable for teenagers?
A: Yes, particularly for mature teens aged 13 and older. Younger teenagers should watch with parental or educational guidance because of the Holocaust material.
Q: Does In My Father’s Words contain violent or scary scenes?
A: The documentary discusses executions, imprisonment, starvation, abuse, and concentration camps. Historical images, artwork, and animated representations may be disturbing.
Q: Does In My Father’s Words contain bad language or sexual content?
A: Language is not a major concern, and there is little indication of significant sexual content or nudity. The main concerns are Holocaust violence, death, grief, and trauma.