Review: Screenings of “Die Ermittlung" (the investigation)
Screenings of “Die Ermittlung” in various cities to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.
Actor Thomas Meinhardt, Dr. Sara Berger, historian and research assistant at the Fritz Bauer Institute, film producer Alexander van Dülmen, and Heike Hausfeld, chairwoman of the works council at Bayer AG, at the screening in Leverkusen.
To mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, the Finkelstein Foundation supported screenings of the ensemble film Die Ermittlung (The Investigation) at various locations. The events took place in Leverkusen, Wuppertal, Berlin, Basel, Budapest, and Tel Aviv. Another is planned for May in Vienna. Accompanying discussions with historians such as Dr. Sara Berger and Dr. Andrea Löw, filmmakers, and actors offered additional perspectives.
“The Investigation” – a film about responsibility and coming to terms with the past
The film is based on the 1964 play of the same name by Peter Weiss, which was written under the impression of the Auschwitz trials. Director RP Kahl adapted the work for film with 60 actors. In addition to the legal reappraisal, the film also addresses the role of industry, in particular I.G. Farben and its successor companies, in the Nazi extermination machinery.
Reflection and exchange at the screening venues
The screenings provided space for reflection and exchange. In Leverkusen, the screening took place at the Bayer Kasino, followed by a discussion on corporate responsibility. In Wuppertal, the film was also shown for Bayer employees, followed by an expert discussion. In Berlin, it was shown at the Kino in der Kulturbrauerei and was part of the “Leaders for Democracy” continuing education program organized by the Hertie Foundation and the Finkelstein Foundation. In Basel, selected scenes were presented at the kult.kino Atelier and contextualized by historians.
In Budapest, the film was shown to a non-German audience for the first time. In Tel Aviv, the screening took place at the Cinematheque – on the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. In the presence of director RP Kahl, producer Alexander van Dülmen, and other participants, the significance of the film for the culture of remembrance and the question of corporate responsibility were discussed.
Continued debate
The educational material and the official website for the film were funded by the Hans and Berthold Finkelstein Foundation. The aim is to continue to integrate “Die Ermittlung” into the discourse on historical responsibility and ethical behavior.
Further information about the film: www.die-ermittlung.com
