Always Remember is a six-month series of free, virtual screenings designed to raise Holocaust awareness through cinema. Each month from June through November, we’ll offer a selection of films designed to amplify unique voices and experiences relating to the Holocaust, highlighting LGBTQ+ stories, women’s perspectives, stories of resistance, youth experiences and more.

You’re invited to join us for an online screening of The Commandant’s Shadow, followed by a pre-recorded conversation with director Daniela Völker.

The Commandant’s Shadow follows Hans Jürgen Höss, the 87-year-old son of Rudolf Höss, as he faces his father’s terrible legacy for the first time. His father was the camp commandant of Auschwitz and masterminded the murder of over a million Jews. The life of Höss and his family was recently fictionalized in the Academy Award®-winning film The Zone of Interest. Now, The Commandant’s Shadow tells the story of some of the real people who lived on the other side of the wall at Höss’s concentration camp. While Hans Jürgen Höss enjoyed a happy childhood playing with many toys in the family villa at Auschwitz, Jewish cellist Anita Lasker-Wallfisch was playing for her life to survive the notorious concentration camp. At the heart of this film is the historic and inspiring moment, eight decades later, when the two come face-to-face – the son of a major war criminal meeting a survivor in the intimate setting of Anita’s London living room. Together with their children, Kai Höss and Maya Lasker-Wallfisch, the four protagonists explore their very different hereditary burdens. The film features original excerpts of Rudolf Höss’ long-forgotten autobiography, written shortly before his execution, while exploring the relationships of a mother and her daughter, a father and his son, and the long shadows cast by the crimes that impact generations. It raises questions about love, guilt and forgiveness, but is ultimately a story of hope, acceptance and compassion.

The Commandant’s Shadow is presented by Warner Bros. Pictures in association with HBO Documentary Films; a Snowstorm Productions presentation; a Creators Inc. production in association with New Mandate Films.

 
2024, 103 minutes, color, English and German with English subtitles | Written & Directed by Daniela Völker | Produced by Gloria Abramoff, Daniela Völker | Executive Produced by Wendy Robbins. Neil Blair, Jonathan Blair, Matti Leshem, Joel Greenberg, Len Blavatnik, Danny Cohen, Sajan Raj Kurup, Jani Guest, Jamie Jessop
 

Registration Information

Film Independent Members and the general public can register for this event starting at 1:00 pm PT on Wednesday, September 11. | Registration is free; one registration per individual.

Completing a single registration for any Always Remember film in a given month will grant access to all films available that month. You’ll also have the option to register for the entire series.
 

How to Watch

We’re excited to present a diverse, engaging series that is accessible to anyone who wishes to participate – all you need is an email address and a device on which to stream the film(s).

On the first day of screening availability, registrants will be emailed a secure link by our partner Vision Media to watch that month’s films in the Film Independent Presents Online Screening Room. The access period to view the films will be approximately the last two weeks of each month.
 

Online Screening Policies

Availability window and registration capacity may vary; always register as early as possible to ensure access. Links are watermarked, nontransferable and may only be used by the individual who completed the registration. Limit one link per individual, per event.

Registrants are required to follow all rules and guidelines as laid out by Film Independent and/or its partners. If a guest has been registered for an event by a Member, these policies shall apply to that guest. Violation of policies may result in suspension or termination of Membership/access to future events.

Always Remember films, participants, availability window(s) and other details are subject to change without prior notice.
 

Questions?

For more info about Film Independent and Always Remember, visit our FAQ page.

You can also reach us directly at alwaysremember@filmindependent.org.
 

Accessibility

We’re proud to present The Commandant’s Shadow with the option for audio description. Before viewing the film, please set up your browser, TV or device following Vision Media’s instructions. When it’s time to watch the film, you’ll be ready to go.

Film Independent is committed to hosting events that are accessible. For inquiries regarding accessibility, or to request an accommodation, please contact us at accessibility@filmindependent.org or 323 556 9305.