Topografie terezínských filmů (1942-1944/5)

Abstract

The Topography of Theresienstadt Films (1942-1944/5)

The Theresienstadt films made between 1942 and 1944/5 constitute an important source for historians researching the Ghetto. The films cover particular phases of the Ghetto’s development and, in visual form, represent the “highlights of the merits of the SS” concerning the “Paradise-Ghetto” (according to the SS-major Hans Günther). The author presents the two most important uses for these films. On the one hand, the films gave a view of the otherwise concealed ghetto, and in doing so offered guidance to (future) visitors and donors of humanitarian aid. On the other hand, the last film, Theresienstadt. Ein Dokumentarfilm aus dem jüdischen Siedlungsgebiet,  also served as a window to show the outside world, which people were in the Ghetto (i.e. still alive) and represented “a value” in negotiations between the SS and the Allies.

Table of contents photo from Vojenský ústřední archiv – Vojenský historický archiv (Central Military Archives – Military History Archives) VHA, R-III 7/2 Sbírka plánů pevnosti Terezín a jiných vojenských objektů v Terezíně a okolí 1780-1943.