FROM THE AUSCHWITZ CHRONICLE
(Z KRONIKI AUSCHWITZ)



2004, 24 min.(I), 26 min. (II), 25 min. (III), 26 min. (IV), 24 min. (V), Poland
DIRECTION:
Michal Bukojemski
SCRIPT:
Marek Miller, Michal Bukojemski
CINEMATOGRAPHY:
Michal Bukojemski
MUSIC:
Zygmunt Konieczny
EDITING:
Joanna Wojtulewicz
PRODUCTION:
Digit - Film

This compelling documentary series is based on prisoners' stories of daily life in the concentration camp.

Part I THE LONGEST ROLL CALL
Through survivor's personal accounts the film explores the lesser known aspects of life in the most infamous of Nazi concentration camps. Its first chapter documents the early construction of the camp and also the first attempted and successful escape attempt. The story of this escape and the punishment that was forced upon the other prisoners because of it becomes an embodiment of the horrors of Auschwitz. It is not only the first atrocity ever committed on the grounds, but also serves as a portent of even greater horrors to come.

Part II THE ORCHESTRA
A document of the evolution of the camp orchestra. From it's inception as a group of seven loosely organized prisoners the orchestra grew to the size of a full fledged symphony. Within its ranks many found hope and the possibility of survival. Yet there was also enmity between the prisoners selected for the orchestra and those who were not so lucky. Through the years of its operation the orchestra became an integral part of Auschwitz not only motivating prisoners to live but providing entertainment for their cruel masters as well. The story of how the orchestra inspired both hatred and hope is a fascinating one that is seldom so fully explored.

Part III THE PLATFORM IN BIRKENAU
The film depicts the expansion of various railway networks that served the camp between the years of 1940 and 1945. Survivors share their own impressions of first arriving at Auschwitz, and the ways in which they slowly came to understand what it truly was. From the rail yards to the crematoria, the film explores the beginning of every inmate's journey into the darkness of Auschwitz.

Part IV LOVE
This unique chapter in the documentary proves that even in the most adverse circumstances human emotion can survive. It is the heartbreaking and yet valiant story of Edek Galinski and Mally Zinetbaum. These two prisoners would find love among the inhuman conditions of "the death factory." The story of their love, and their struggle to escape together would prove an inspiration to all those who stood alongside them. It continues to inspire them today.

Part V SONDERCOMMANDO
Sonderkomando was a special group of prisoners that operated the crematoria and gas chambers of the Auschwitz concentration camp. The tale of how they coped with their impossible responsibility, the guilt it led to and the eventual escape of some forms a powerful ending to this remarkable series of films.

Monday, November 13, 2006 at 8:45 pm. (Gallery Theatre)