Dr. Andrea Despot

Films can have an enormous impact on society, providing low-threshold, emotional access to complex subjects and themes. This is why feature films invite us to take an in-depth look at the history of National Socialism.
Dr. Andrea Despot
EVZ Foundation CEO

What will be happening on Augen auf [Eyes open] Cinema Day on January 27? 

Initially involving four screenings in three cities (Berlin, Frankfurt a.M. and Rostock), films will be shown in cinemas on Holocaust Remembrance Day that critically examine Nazi history and the Holocaust in different ways, also featuring integrated talk and discussion sessions.   

 Augen auf [Eyes open] Cinema Day is aimed at all age groups, but it particularly seeks to give young people a new, emotionally informed perspective on history.   

The plan is to expand the project into a nationwide film week as from 2026 onwards.   

 

Background – results of the MEMO youth study

The idea for the Augen auf [Eyes open] Cinema Day on January 27 came about as a result of the marked rise in the suppression and denial of history in politics and society. Another factor was the results of the MEMO youth study in 2023: this revealed that although teenagers and young adults wish to be taught the facts about the Nazi era as well as learning about the historical sites and the present-day relevance of the period, half of the 16 to 25-year-olds surveyed were not able to correctly name the period of Nazi rule. These gaps in factual knowledge about National Socialism prompted us to think about how we could adopt a new approach to educational work.   

Dr. Andrea Despot, Chief Executive Officer, Foundation EVZ: “Anyone who critically examines the disenfranchisement, persecution and extermination perpetrated by the National Socialists is more aware of discrimination today. Teaching history boosts solidarity and democracy. Young people want to understand and learn, not just be entertained. We need interactive and participatory initiatives for history education – both inside and outside of school.”

 

 

Initiators

The Augen auf [Eyes open] Cinema Day is conceived and realized by the Foundation Remembrance, Responsibility and Future and the agency Jetzt & Morgen. VISION KINO, Network for Film and Media Competence, will provide educational support for the Cinema Day.