Swimming in Auschwitz (2007)

Six Jewish women, from different countries and different backgrounds, found themselves deported to the notorious concentration camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau, during the Holocaust. This film ... See full summary »

Director:

Jon Kean

Writer:

Jon Kean

Stars:

Renee Firestone, Erika Jacoby, Lili Majzner

Cast

Credited cast:
Renee Firestone	...	Herself
Erika Jacoby	...	Herself
Lili Majzner	...	Herself

Storyline

Six Jewish women, from different countries and different backgrounds, found themselves deported to the notorious concentration camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau, during the Holocaust. This film attempts to chronicle that experience through those same female eyes. While subject to the same physical hardships as men, these women do not dwell on that. Instead, they speak of camp families and faith, uplifting one another while trying to remain human. It was this path of spiritual resistance that, while not responsible for their direct survival, led to their ability to survive with healthy minds and spirits despite the constant barrage of their surroundings. Swimming in Auschwitz gives us a perspective of the camp, its surroundings and the Holocaust that we need to understand and remember, so that we never forget.

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Taglines:

The interwoven stories of six women provide a glimpse into life, spirit and survival at the notorious concentration camp, Auschwitz.

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Genres:

Documentary

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

30 January 2007 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp, Oswiecim, Malopolskie, Poland

Box Office

Budget:

$125,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Bala Cynwyd Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

63 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

User Reviews

Inspiring bearing of witness

Here is a compelling documentary on several women's experience of the Holocaust -- starting in their hometowns in Poland, Holland, Hungary, and Czechoslovakia, and following them to liberation.

Backed by stunning photographic, video, and artistic renditions, these women's tales are both touching and harrowing. The women tell of the inexorable wearing down of their humanity -- having to undress in front of whip-bearing German soldiers, and having to use a barrel in the center of a barracks for a toilet -- and the more life-threatening horrors they had to endure.

"If you gave up and lost your sense of humor, you lost your mind," says one survivor."

"Because the hunger was so great, it took away our other emotional problems," says another.

The anecdote about the Nazis' swimming pool was priceless!

I couldn't help but wonder why the movie focused only on women. So often, men were summarily killed and it would have been helpful to hear some of these survivors' stories, too.

Still, the movie is a formidable document in support of human resilience and is well-worth viewing.