The San Diego Italian Film Festival will screen a new film about Jewish refugees in Italy after World War II.

The Israeli film “Shorts of Light: Salento 1945-47” tells the story of thousands of Holocaust survivors who landed in southern Italy after the war.

According to the film, those refugees were amazed by the welcome they received from the local population — a welcome that dramatically contrasted with the years of hatred they had endured.

The 56-minute film includes rare historical photos and film and traces the lives of three people born during the period.

The film will be shown at 7 p.m. on Thursday at La Paloma Theatre in Encinitas and at 7 p.m. on July 20 at the Museum of Photograph Arts in Balboa Park.

Panel discussions will follow both screenings. Tickets are $12.

Chris Jennewein is Editor & Publisher of Times of San Diego.