On February 15th, Jonathan Glazer, the director of the Holocaust drama 'The Zone of Interest,' returned to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum for the Polish premiere of his critically acclaimed and Oscar-nominated film. This marked a significant moment as Glazer explained to the audience what it meant to have been granted permission to shoot scenes for his movie within the museum, which stands on the grounds of the former concentration camp where over 1.1 million people lost their lives during World War II.
Glazer expressed the immense importance of filming at this sacred location, stating, 'It was so important to make this film here. I felt very palpably the place when I first arrived, and I felt that the film had to be about this place.' His aim was to blur the line between past and present, here and there, capturing a sense of immediacy and relevance. He wanted to create a film that would evoke the present tense and remind viewers that the horrors of the Holocaust are not isolated events of the past but rather a reflection of our ongoing human capacity for violence.
'The Zone of Interest' portrays Rudolf Höss, the architect and commandant of Auschwitz, weaving together his seemingly idyllic family life with his wife Hedwig Höss against the backdrop of one of history's darkest chapters. This juxtaposition serves as a chilling reminder of the banality of evil and the complexities of human nature.
During a conversation following the screening, Museum Director Piotr Cywinski expressed his gratitude towards the entire film team for their sensitivity, willingness to listen, and their commitment to authenticity. Cywinski commended the filmmakers for achieving a level of authenticity rarely seen in productions about Auschwitz. The trust built between the museum and the film crew resulted in a quality that surpassed many previous attempts to depict the atrocities committed at Auschwitz.
Filmmakers have a great responsibility when addressing historical events as emotive and devastating as the Holocaust. It is critical to approach such subject matter with respect, accuracy, and a deep understanding of the lasting impact it has had on humanity. Glazer's decision to film within the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum grounds, with the support and guidance of the museum staff, allowed him to create a film that sensitively explores the profound effects of human violence and the necessity to acknowledge this dark chapter in our shared history.
'The Zone of Interest' serves not only as a thought-provoking piece of cinema but also as a testament to the power of film to raise awareness and promote empathy. Through the collaboration between Glazer and the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, this film brings the Holocaust closer to our present reality, highlighting the ongoing need for remembrance, reflection, and the rejection of violence in all its forms.
