After Auschwitz

After Auschwitz from 2017 is a poignant and deeply emotive documentary film that purposefully highlights the post-holocaust lives of six extraordinary women who survived Auschwitz, one of the most pernicious concentration camps during World War II. Directed by Jon Kean, the film features Eva Beckmann, Rena Drexler, Renee Firestone, and other survivors. The documentary takes you on an emotional journey, presenting their personal stories, filled with a mixture of devastation, resilience, and hope.

The film is not merely a revisit of the horrors of the past; it is more focused on the strength of these women and their courage to build new hope after experiencing an unimaginable ordeal. It paints a unique picture of life after liberation from one of history's most notorious death camps. The movie effectively exhibits the strength of human spirit, demonstrating how these women managed to turn the grimness and tragedy of their past into motivation to create a living testament to survival and resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Kean uses personal interviews and archival footages, leading audiences on a deeply moving journey that begins in the heartrending environment of Auschwitz but goes on to explore the complex post-war experiences and lives of these women in America - a land of freedom, opportunity, and dreams. How they navigated their new environment after their traumatic past, rebuilt their lives from scratch, established families and careers, and came to terms with the haunting memories forms the core of After Auschwitz. Their stories are revealing, intimate, and profoundly affecting, yet also inspirational.

The emotional strength of the film lies in its nuanced storytelling. Kean explores the taboo subject of 'laughing in the shadow of an extermination camp,' allowing the audience to see not only the horror and tragedy that were a part of these women's past but also their indomitable spirit and their determination to find joy and laughter amidst the darkness. Never exploitative, the film manages to maintain a delicate balance, treating the subject matter with the respect and consideration it deserves.

Eva Beckmann, Rena Drexler, Renee Firestone and the other Holocaust survivors who are part of the film provide first-hand accounts of their experiences. Each narrative adds a unique dimension to this shared history, revealing the individual ways in which they coped with their traumatic past and rallied spiritedly, getting on with their lives. In their own words, the film shows these women as true symbols of courage, whose tales of survival, resilience, and even triumph are lessons of life for all generations.

In a larger context, the film also reflects on the Holocaust's place in contemporary consciousness, discussing the challenges of preserving its memory as the number of survivors continues dwindling. It also moves into edgier territory, where it examines America, as a haven for Holocaust survivors, and the evolution of its environment from the post-war era to modern times. It poignantly asks critical questions about what the society is doing to ensure that the harrowing lessons from the Holocaust are understood and remembered.

The cinematography is sensitive and beautifully handled, with clear visuals that add depth and texture to the narration. The soundtrack subtly supports the narrative, underlining the emotions without being intrusive.

Overall, After Auschwitz is a thought-provoking, compelling peek into the lives of its subjects. It dares to showcase the lives of six Auschwitz survivors not just as victims, but as human beings with hopes, dreams, fears, and aspirations. It is both a sorrowful reminder of the horrific past and a hopeful nod towards the future. This film is a poignant tribute to life, resilience, and the unyielding human spirit that refuses to be broken by even the most traumatic experiences. It engages and moves you, leaving you with a lot to think about long after the credits roll.

In a world that is increasingly forgetting the lessons of history, After Auschwitz is a crucial watch, not just to commemorate and remember the Holocaust, but also to understand the importance of fostering empathy and kindness in society. It serves as a potent reminder of humanity's capacity for both evil and good, urging us all to strive towards humankind's better side.