On-Site Film Screening: Sneak Peek – “The Auschwitz Report”

The Auschwitz Report, Slovakia’s 2020 Oscar submission for Best International Film, shares the true story of two Auschwitz prisoners who escaped and provided a rare firsthand report of genocide at the camp. The film’s limited cinema release will not include Illinois movie theaters, so be sure to join us for this special “sneak peek” to see it on the big screen.

The film follows two Slovak Jews – Freddy and Walter – in Auschwitz as they compile a 32-page report about the situation inside the camp. Their report included the camp layout, construction details of the gas chambers and furnaces, and a label from a Zyklon B canister. After two years, they finally managed to escape Auschwitz with their documents.

After a grueling journey out of the camp, Freddy and Walter’s report – now known as the Vrba-Wetzler Report – was the first detailed account that the Allies received and regarded as credible. Information and knowledge in the report ultimately prevented the Hungarian government from deporting Jews to Auschwitz, saving more than 120,000 lives.

Dr. Elliot Lefkovitz will lead the talk-back, post screening.

***Masks are required and social distance guidelines will be encouraged at this on-site program.***

Reservations are required. Members must sign in to take advantage of their member discount.

Non-Members: $20.00

Members: $5.00

Community Partners: Illinois Film Office; JCC Chicago Jewish Film Festival; Chicago Jewish Historical Society; Holocaust Educational Foundation of Northwestern University