Night and Fog

Released just four years after the liberation of Auschwitz, this French-German co-production aimed to counteract the growing complacency in Western Europe about the Holocaust. It was controversial due to its graphic depiction of camp atrocities and use of survivor testimonies.

• It offers a unique and chilling documentation of the Auschwitz concentration camp, providing an unsettling look at the horrors of the Holocaust.
• The film's innovative use of black-and-white cinematography creates a powerful contrast against the grim subject matter, enhancing its impact on the viewer.
• Despite being a documentary, 'Night and Fog' employs dramatic techniques typically found in fiction films, making it a compelling watch for both history enthusiasts and film lovers alike.

Fun Facts

• The original version of 'Night and Fog' was banned by French authorities for being too explicit and graphic, but it eventually gained widespread acclaim after being re-edited.
• The film's title is a reference to two biblical passages, Psalm 90:10 and Isaiah 45:7, which speak of God's wrath and the obscuring of evil.
• Director Alain Resnais used archival footage from various sources, including Nazi propaganda films, to create a comprehensive depiction of life within the concentration camps.