Name: La chaconne d'Auschwitz
Genre: Documentary
Released: 1999-04-28
Duration: 1 h 44 min
Rating: 7.6
Cast: Helene Scheps, Violette Jacquet-Silberstein, Anita Lasker-Wallfisch

There was an orchestra in Auschwtiz - made up of female prisoners and led by another prisoner, niece of a famous conductor and composer. There were other prisoner orchestras in other areas of the Reich, but this has become the most famous.

This orchestra played for roll call - every day, in all kinds of weather. It also played for arriving trains, and during the sorting of those who would die immediately and those who would most likely be worked to death. The music lulled the arriving transports, either giving them a false sense of security or soothing their shattered senses with familiar strains of music.

This film is a documentary - a series of interviews and filmed episodes - of the surviving members of the Auschwitz orchestra. They tell their stories, and their memories of performances, and tell of their horror at being used by the Nazis.

It is a poignant portrait of a very special group of survivors.

French-language cinema, whether in France, Québec, or other Francophone regions, explores cultural identity, social change, and the tension between the individual and society. French cinema is not only celebrated for its intellectual experimentation and auteur traditions, but also its success in mainstream comedy, romance, and commercial entertainment. In Québec, films often focus on questions of language, belonging, and community within a distinct cultural landscape.

Jean-Pierre Léaud in The 400 Blows (1959)

The documentary is a form of non-fiction storytelling that aims to present factual information, insights, and perspectives on real-world subjects, events, issues, or people. Documentaries can cover a wide range of topics, including history, science, culture, social issues, nature, biographies, and more.

Dziga Vertov in Man with a Movie Camera (1929)

Get a closer look at some of Hollywood's perfect pairs.

Hollywood Power Couples

Get a closer look at some of Hollywood&#39;s perfect pairs.

See which big screen releases you can watch from the comfort of your couch.

Theatrical Releases Coming to Streaming

Get a closer look at these actors from their many TV and streaming series roles.

Streaming Stars, Then and Now

Catherine Deneuve, Jane Birkin, Serge Gainsbourg, and Bambou in Gainsbourg, l'homme qui aimait les femmes (2010)

La chaconne d'Auschwitz

Photos1

Top Cast12

User reviews1

Related interests

Storyline

Top picks

Details

Contribute to this page

More to explore

Recently viewed