What it’s about

With his film “Goebbels and the Führer,” Joachim A. Lang creates a groundbreaking piece of cinema that merges two genres often separated: Holocaust films and depictions of Nazi Germany. This project reveals the hidden mechanisms of Nazi propaganda led by Adolf Hitler and his minister, Joseph Goebbels, presented with fresh insights and urgent contemporary relevance.

Why it matters

Lang’s film is invaluable in combating the mythologizing of Nazi figures and dismantling the misplaced idolization portrayed in previous movies. Through an accurate and sobering narrative, the film offers a necessary exploration into the dangers of propaganda and manipulation, reflections that are alarmingly pertinent to modern times.

Driving the news

Screened at the Jerusalem Jewish Film Festival, “Goebbels and the Führer” positions itself as an essential historical document. It artistically integrates authentic Holocaust footage and survivor testimonies, making sure that the focus remains steadfastly on the victims whose dignities are restored through an unbiased lens. This serves as a reminder of accountability in contemporary media channels.

The big picture

The film’s release acts as a timely educational piece against the backdrop of rising global antisemitism and right-wing extremism. The reminder that “it can happen again” given by Holocaust survivors featured speaks directly to audiences embroiled in the complexities of today’s “fake news” societal landscape. These actions of Nazi perpetrators were not mere aberrations but encompass essentially a reminder more relevant than ever to actively defend democratic values.

What’s next

As civilizations cross into uncertain terrains again where demagoguery risks democratic institutions, projects like Lang’s are crucial educational tools prompting current and future generations not just remembering, but learning from the painstaking lessons of history.

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This story was first published on jpost.com.