Holocaust on Film and Television

Essential question: Have Holocaust films and television programs presented the Holocaust experience

Define:

Introduction

We might begin by considering the point of view of Elie Weisel when he suggests that no film can capture the essence, the scope of the Holocaust. Consequently, a filmmaker must begin his work acknowledging the possibility that he can never truly succeed in doing justice to the event itself. Yet, like all artists, he may take on a sense of purpose in providing a memory, a reminder, an experience, a vision, a warning--as if it is a responsibility to place this piece of history before the eyes of the present and future generations.

The danger inherent to this noble attempt is to do a disservice to the sacred memory of the six million by trivializing, glamorizing, exaggerating or distorting thr actual nature of these horrific events. We know that this history is accessible to the coming generations and great efforts have been made to secure our knowledge of the Holocaust in the face of Holocaust denial--Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Museums in Washington and elsewhere, the extensive chronicling by the Shoah Foundation of testimony from the dwindling population of Holocaust survivors. But who will visit these museums? Who will actually view the archived tapes of testimony? Relatively few compared to those who will see the Holocaust portrayed on a screen in a movie theatre, a video or a television program.

The Mass Media is the source of information and education regarding this material for our young and for non-Jews who, more than ever, must undestand who we are and where we came from. Today's volatile atmosphere of world politics is being played out on a world stage--CNN-- and the question that is being raised is "Who are these Jews and why are they fighting so desperately for their little country?" Partly, the answer is "The Holocaust"--this is what happened to us and this is why we fight to defend our homeland. Moreover, peoples of the world, this is what can happen to you--if you permit government to restrict, to discriminate, to control your destiny.

This is why the Holocaust filmmaker must try to get it right. It is a horrifying truth, but, nevertheless, a truth which we can never allow ourselves to ignore.

Session 2: The Nightmare

Featured films:

Session 3: The Aftermath

Featured clips:

Conclusion

Each filmmaker or television producer who takes on the seemingly impossible task of representing the Holocaust honestly and effectively makes a contribution to the growing visual legacy of events that still affect and appall us today. The educated viewer must place each film in the appropriate perspective and assist others in comprehending the full scope and the actual history of the events themselves.

New films to watch for in this genre: