The NY Film Critics Series takes the film screening experience to a new level. Not only do you get the chance to screen interesting films, but after the film you have the chance to see a live discussion with the cast, filmmakers and industry affiliates.
The series has several screenings in NYC and in Paramus and Morristown, NJ. The Fall Series takes place for 8 weeks, Monday nights in Paramus and on Wednesday nights in Morristown.
One of the recent Paramus screenings was, What Our Fathers Did: A Nazi Legacy. The documentary was written by Philippe Sands and directed by David Evans.
The story follows Philippe Sands, A human-rights lawyer as he takes a journey with Niklas Frank and Horst von Wächter whose fathers were high-ranking Nazi officials. The film shows the perspective of three men. Many of Philippe’s family were killed during the war at the hands of the Nazi soldiers. Niklas has spent his life condemning his father, Hans Frank while Horst Von Wachter can not accept that his father, Otto von Wächter took part in causing such devastation.
As the movie begins, Philippe is sitting watching the home videos of the two men at a young age with their fathers and other family members. There is a screen shot that really stands out in the film. The camera zooms into a shot of Philippe’s eye with the reflection of the nazi flag from the television screen.
Even the film poster shows the lives of these men as they alter from father to Nazi soldier, responsible for mass murders.
The film shows the men as they travel “back in time” as if they were walking in their father’s shoes from their childhood homes, to where their fathers had given their government speeches.
Following the screening, there were whispers around discussing how powerful the film was. David Edelstein then hosted a live discussion with Philippe and an audience Q&A.
Check out more information about The NY Film Critics Series .
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