UNIDAD EDUCATIVA BILINGÜE SAGRADOS

CORAZONES

DIPLOMA PROGRAMME

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE

Question:

What has been the evolution of the cinematic representation of the Holocaust over time and

how has it influenced the perception and understanding of this historical event?

Name: Veruzka Ruiz

Class: 3BGU “D”

Word Count: 750

Guayaquil - Ecuador

December 2023
 Research Question:

What has been the evolution of the cinematic representation of the Holocaust over time and

how has it influenced the perception and understanding of this historical event?

Assessment Indicators
 I.ECA.5.1.1. (Cultural and Art I.CS.H.5.10.2. (History)

Education)

Recognizes and describes the main It examines the role of artistic movements,

elements, characters, symbols, techniques diverse expressions of art, and the print and

and ideas of artistic productions from audiovisual media in power relations and

different periods and cultures, and associates social conflicts.

them with ways of thinking, aesthetic

movements and fashions.

INTRODUCTION

Cinematic representations are films that present a story or theme through moving images;

this is a very popular form of art and entertainment that uses the combination of images,

sound and narrative to convey emotions, tell stories and explore different themes; they cover

a wide range of genres, such as drama, comedy, action, science fiction, documentary, among

others. Through film, we can create imaginary worlds, capture historical moments or reflect

on social, political and cultural issues, influence our emotions, awaken our imagination and

give us a unique experience in front of the screen.

The Holocaust was one of the most momentous and tragic events of the 20th century, with

consequences that still resonate in today's society. Therefore, understanding how this event

has been represented in film helps us to examine how popular culture has addressed and

transmitted the collective memory of the Holocaust.

The purpose of this research is to explore changes and developments in the cinematic

representation of the Holocaust over time. This involves analyzing how films have evolved in

terms of narrative approach, filming techniques, realism, and the use of history and

testimonies as a basis; it also seeks to analyze how these cinematic representations have

influenced global awareness, education and collective memory; in this way we can analyze

the different perspectives and interpretations that are given on the subject; reflecting on the

responsibility and ethics of filmmakers when dealing with this sensitive subject matter,

ensuring that the representation is respectful towards the victims and their traumatic

experience.

BACKGROUND

The Holocaust was the systematic extermination of approximately six million Jews, as

well as other races, ethnicities or nationalities, by the Nazis during World War II. The term
"Holocaust" came into use after the war to refer to this tragedy, and is derived from the Greek,

meaning "total sacrifice by fire". The name was given to reflect the magnitude of the

destruction and suffering experienced during that dark period of history.

It has been a recurring theme in cinematography, and many films have dealt with it in a

significant way. One of the first films to depict the Holocaust was "Night and Fog" (Nuit et

brouillard), directed by Alain Resnais, released in 1956. However, it was in the 1960s that

more well-known and acclaimed films on the subject were produced, such as "Judgment at

Nuremberg" (1961) directed by Stanley Kramer.

In 1993, Steven Spielberg directed "Schindler's List," which is considered one of the most

iconic and powerful films about the Holocaust. This film won multiple awards, including

seven Academy Awards. Other notable films include "The Pianist" directed by Roman

Polanski in 2002, and "Son of Saul" directed by László Nemes in 2015, winner of the

Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

These films and many others have sought to portray the horrors and experiences of the

victims from the famous Holocaust, as well as the bravery and resilience of those who fought

against Nazi oppression. Through film, the memory of this dark episode in history has been

kept alive.

DELIMITATION OF THE PROBLEM

The representation of the Holocaust in film has been a topic of debate and controversy

since this historical event took place, as numerous films have attempted to narrate and portray

the horrors and atrocities committed during this dark period of history. However, the visual

representation of the Holocaust poses a number of ethical, aesthetic and narrative challenges

that must be analyzed in depth.

Referring to this is the ethical challenge of ensuring an accurate and respectful

representation of the events and experiences of the victims of the Holocaust. Given that the
Holocaust was an unprecedented tragedy that caused the deaths of millions of people, it is

essential that films approach this subject with the highest degree of sensitivity and respect for

those affected. Films have the power to influence how the public perceives and understands

the Holocaust, so it is essential that cinematic representations are faithful to history and avoid

any form of trivialization or trivialization of what happened.

The Holocaust requires a carefully balanced approach between the need to generate

emotional impact and capture the brutality of the events, and the danger of falling into

exploitation or sensationalism. On the one hand, it is important that the film effectively

conveys the magnitude of the suffering and atrocities committed during the Holocaust in

order to create awareness and empathy in the viewer. On the other hand, there is a risk that

excessive or graphic visual representation may cross an ethical line and become a form of

morbid entertainment or sensationalism.

 REFERENCES

What was the holocaust? (n.d.). Theholocaustexplained.org. Retrieved

September 2, 2023, from

https://www.theholocaustexplained.org/what-was-the-holocaust/

Berenbaum, M. (2023). Holocaust. In Encyclopedia Britannica.

Rauch, S. (2018). Understanding the holocaust through film: Audience reception

between preconceptions and media effects. History & Memory, 30(1), 151.
https://doi.org/10.2979/histmemo.30.1.06