Documentary Explores Auschwitz Commandant's Family Legacy

Descendants of Auschwitz's commandant, Rudolf Höss, including his son Hans Jürgen and grandson Kai Höss, confront the dark legacy of their family's past in a new documentary titled 'The Commandant's Shadow'. The film explores the juxtaposition of idyllic childhood memories with the horrific reality of the Auschwitz death camp, where over a million people, mostly Jews, were killed. It features emotional encounters between the Höss family members and Anita Lasker-Wallfisch, a camp survivor who played the cello for guards. The documentary delves into the complexities faced by descendants of perpetrators and survivors, shedding light on the intergenerational impact of historical trauma and the struggle for acceptance and reconciliation. Through poignant moments and revelations, the film navigates the delicate balance between confronting the past and attempting to move forward amidst profound tragedy.