The Commandant's Shadow (2024)

  • PG-13
  • 05/29/2024 (US)
  • Documentary, History, War
  • 1h 43m

His father murdered more than a million Jews at Auschwitz. She survived the camp against all odds. 80 years later, they come face to face.

Overview

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 London living room. Together with their children, Kai Höss and Maya Lasker-Wallfisch, the four protagonists explore their very different hereditary burdens.

Daniela Völker

Director, Writer

Cast

Hans-Jürgen Höss's headshot

Hans-Jürgen Höss

Self
Kai Höss's headshot

Kai Höss

Self
Anita Lasker-Wallfisch's headshot

Anita Lasker-Wallfisch

Self
Maya Lasker-Wallfisch's headshot

Maya Lasker-Wallfisch

Self
Rudolf Höss's headshot

Rudolf Höss

Self (archive footage)
Adolf Hitler's headshot

Adolf Hitler

Self (archive footage)

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