On January 27, 2025, the world observed the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, the infamous concentration camp established by Hitler during World War II. To memorialize this significant occasion, France 2 broadcasted the documentary series titled Auschwitz, des survivants racontent, which features poignant testimonies from 44 survivors of one of history's darkest chapters.
This landmark five-episode series, directed by Catherine Bernstein, provides audiences with deeply personal accounts from Auschwitz survivors, recounting their harrowing experiences throughout their captivity. The storytelling is chronological, guiding viewers from pre-war life through the horrifying realities of concentration camps. Bernstein, who dedicated over four years to the project, emphasized the imperative frame of these narratives: ensuring "the world knows" the true extent of the atrocities committed during the Nazi regime.
With nearly 140 hours of footage, the documentary emerges from recorded testimonies dating back to 2006, when capturing these harrowing narratives was still possible. The inclusion of creative animation serves to depict the camp's history from 1942 to 1944, presenting these spaces where unimaginable suffering occurred. While filming on-site at Auschwitz was restricted, Bernstein crafted visually compelling representations to immerse viewers more intimately.
The series features voices like Simone Veil, a formidable political figure and Auschwitz survivor herself, who poignantly stated, "It's important to say and to repeat how, when we were at the camp, for each of us, it was important to hope, to think some would return and speak out, to testify." Veil, who passed away in 2017, encapsulates the spirit of duty and remembrance felt by so many survivors.
On this commemorative date, France 2 also aired special programming, which began earlier in the day with the international ceremony held at Auschwitz-Birkenau. Amidst the somber reflections, the program sought to honor the estimated 1.1 million lives lost at the death camp, where Jews endured cruelty and dehumanization. The event drew the attention of global leaders and served as a reminder of both past suffering and the collective responsibility to educate current and future generations about the Holocaust.
Reflecting on the power of these survivor stories, Bernstein shared, "The obsession of all those who were at Auschwitz was to let the world know; they believed at least one of them needed to survive to testify to the mass murder of men, women, and children simply for being Jewish." This insight lays bare the commitment of the survivors, making the documentary not just historical record but also testimony to the resilience of human spirit under horrific circumstances.
The documentary series concludes by intertwining the somber reminders with the hope for continued education. The title itself, Auschwitz, des survivants racontent, speaks volumes about the necessity of bearing witness—not only to honor the departed but also to instill awareness of the extent of governmental and societal failures which allowed for such horrors to transpire.
Viewers are reminded of the importance of remembrance: "We need to know everything, how it happened," as Veil expressed, reinforcing the documentary's purpose as both tribute and education. Airing on January 27, following the day's international events, the series promises to be engaging, illuminating, and deeply moving for all who choose to watch.
Such stories transcend mere recollections; they remind the global populace of its shared history and the moral obligation to confront hatred and discrimination wherever it may arise. The documentary Auschwitz, des survivants racontent is not merely for entertainment—it is a necessary engagement with our shared past and present.