International Holocaust Remembrance Day is an important occasion to reflect on the atrocities of the Holocaust and ensure that future generations never forget the lessons of history. Whether you're an educator, librarian, or a JCC looking to commemorate the day, here is a list of five powerful films and documentaries that explore different aspects of the Holocaust and its aftermath that can be streamed on Amazon. These films will inspire meaningful reflection and help preserve the stories of those affected by one of the darkest periods in history.
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Getting Away with Murder(s)
This poignant 2-part documentary investigates the political and historical ramifications of the Holocaust and its aftermath. By examining the efforts of Nazi war criminals to evade justice, Getting Away with Murder(s) underscores the importance of accountability and the pursuit of justice even decades after the war. It's a critical film for discussions about moral responsibility and historical remembrance.
Read our full review of Getting Away with Murder(s)
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Fugitive Pieces
Based on Anne Michaels' acclaimed novel, Fugitive Pieces follows a young boy who escapes the horrors of the Holocaust and grapples with trauma and identity as he grows into adulthood. This moving film is an exploration of memory, survival, and the aftermath of loss, making it a meaningful choice for Holocaust Remembrance Day screenings. It beautifully conveys the lasting emotional and psychological scars left by the war.
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The Diary of Anne Frank
Based on the famous diary of Anne Frank, this adaptation brings to life the story of a Jewish girl hiding from the Nazis with her family in Amsterdam. Anne Frank’s diary is one of the most enduring accounts of the Holocaust, and this film offers a poignant portrayal of her courage, hope, and tragic fate. It is a timeless film that should be shown on Holocaust Remembrance Day to ensure that Anne’s voice continues to resonate with generations to come.
Stream The Diary of Anne Frank on Amazon.
Into the Arms of Strangers: Stories of the Kinder-Transport
This Oscar-winning documentary tells the heart-wrenching story of the Kinder-Transport, a rescue mission that saved thousands of Jewish children by transporting them to Britain before the outbreak of World War II. Into the Arms of Strangers highlights the power of compassion and the immense courage of the children and the individuals who helped them. It is a moving tribute to the resilience and hope that can arise even in the darkest of times.
Stream Into the Arms of Strangers: Stories of the Kinder-Transport on Amazon
Son of Saul
This Oscar-winning Hungarian film follows a Jewish prisoner working in Auschwitz-Birkenau as he tries to give a child a proper burial. Its immersive, claustrophobic style brings the horrors of the Holocaust to life in an incredibly profound way. With its emotional impact, it’s a unique choice for thoughtful reflection during Holocaust Remembrance Day.