Warner Bros. Pictures and HBO Acquire Groundbreaking Doc “The Commandant’s Shadow”
Warner Bros. Pictures and HBO partner to bring the documentary 'The Commandant's Shadow' to theaters in the U.S., focusing on the son of Auschwitz's Camp Commandant facing his father's legacy. The film highlights the meeting between the descendant of a war criminal and a Holocaust survivor, shedding light on the impact of historical atrocities across generations.
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“The Commandant’s Shadow” follows Hans Jürgen Höss, the 87-year-old son of Rudolf Höss, as he faces his father’s terrible legacy for the first time. His father was the Camp Commandant of Auschwitz and masterminded the murder of over a million Jews; the life of Höss and his family was recently fictionalized in the Academy Award-winning “The Zone of Interest.” Now, “The Commandant’s Shadow” tells the story of the real people who lived on site at Höss’s death camp.
While Hans Jurgen Höss enjoyed a happy childhood in the family villa at Auschwitz, Jewish prisoner Anita Lasker-Wallfisch was trying to survive the notorious concentration camp. At the heart of this film is the historic and inspiring moment – eight decades later – when the two come face-to-face. This is the first time the descendant of a major war criminal meets a survivor in such a private and intimate setting, Anita’s
The film features original excerpts of Rudolf Höss’ long-forgotten autobiography, written shortly before his execution. His words are the ultimate proof of what really happened at Auschwitz, documented by the perpetrator himself, countering denial and ignorance of the Holocaust.
This once-in-a-lifetime feature-length documentary explores the relationships of a mother and her daughter, a father and his son, and the long shadows cast by the crimes that impact generations. It raises questions about love, guilt, and forgiveness, but is ultimately a much needed story of hope, acceptance, and compassion.
In the wake of the atrocities of October 7th – and at a time when antisemitism has reached a level not seen since the Holocaust – “The Commandant’s Shadow” is a stark reminder that there can be no reconciliation without a true and honest reckoning of the past. Only then can we hope to avoid repeating history and build a better future.
“This documentary is an incredible look at the reality of Auschwitz through the eyes of those who experienced it in very different ways,” said Ray Nutt, CEO of Fathom Events. “We are very pleased to again partner with Warner Bros. to bring this very important film to the big screen.”
Jeff Goldstein, President of Domestic Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures, stated, “We are always looking for opportunities to partner with our friends at Fathom, and ‘The Commandant’s Shadow’ is especially worthy of this kind of event-ized theatrical release. This real and raw documentary tells not one but two truly moving stories that will connect to the hearts and minds of audiences, and we’re proud to be able to share it with them through our Fathom program.”
About Daniela Völker
A German and Argentine filmmaker based in
About “The Commandant’s Shadow”
“The Commandant’s Shadow” is written, produced and directed by Daniela Völker and produced by Gloria Abramoff, with Wendy Robbins, Neil Blair, Jonathan Blair, Matti Leshem, Joel Greenberg, Len Blavatnik, Danny Cohen, Sajan Raj Kurup, Jani Guest and Jamie Jessop serving as executive producers. Völker’s creative team includes directors of photography Rob Goldie and Piotr Trela, editor Claire Guillon, and music composer Gabriel Chwojnik.
Warner Bros. Pictures Presents, in Association with HBO Documentary Films, A Snowstorm / Creators Inc. Production, In Association with New Mandate Films, A Film By Daniela Völker, “The Commandant’s Shadow.” It will be distributed in theaters by Warner Bros. Pictures, and is rated PG-13 for thematic content involving the Holocaust, some disturbing images, and smoking.
About Fathom Events
Fathom is a recognized leader in the entertainment industry as one of the top distributors of content to movie theaters in
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240426901045/en/
Fathom Events
Colette Carey
Ccarey@fathomevents.com
Warner Bros. Pictures
Strategy PR/Consulting
SPR_COMMANDANTS@strategypr.net
Source: Warner Bros. Pictures
FAQ
When will 'The Commandant's Shadow' be released in the U.S.?
'The Commandant's Shadow' will be released in the U.S. on May 29, 2024, with an encore presentation on May 30, 2024.
What is the documentary 'The Commandant's Shadow' about?
'The Commandant's Shadow' follows Hans Jürgen Höss, son of Auschwitz's Camp Commandant, as he confronts his father's legacy for the first time, exploring the impact on both his family and a Holocaust survivor.
Who are the key protagonists in 'The Commandant's Shadow' documentary?
The key protagonists in the documentary are Hans Jürgen Höss, Anita Lasker-Wallfisch, Kai Höss, and Maya Lasker-Wallfisch.
What is the significance of the meeting between a war criminal's descendant and a Holocaust survivor in 'The Commandant's Shadow'?
The meeting between Hans Jürgen Höss and Anita Lasker-Wallfisch in 'The Commandant's Shadow' is a historic and inspiring moment, showcasing the impact of past atrocities on future generations.
