The World Was Ours

Jewish Vilna was called "The Jerusalem of Lithuania." It was a major centre of Eastern European Jewish culture, especially Yiddish culture. The Jews of Vilna prided themselves on their deep religious heritage and highly developed sense of social responsibility. The film focuses on the pre-World War II life of this vibrant community that produced so many illustrious artists, musicians and intellectuals. Mandy Patinkin's narration brings all the elements of this film together into a beautiful tribute dedicated to a people and a culture, gone forever at the hands of the Nazis.