Claude Lanzmann’s Shoah

IFI Press Release 25th April 2012

A rare screening of Claude Lanzmann’s epic Holocaust documentary Shoah at the IFI

In collaboration with the French Embassy in Ireland and the School of Philosophy in UCD, the IFI is delighted to present this rare screening of Shoah, Claude Lanzmann’s epic documentary on the Holocaust, with the director in attendance to introduce and discuss the film. The film will be shown in three parts on May 7^th, 12^th and 13^th at the IFI.

Shoah took 11 years to make; the first six devoted to the recording of testimony across 14 countries, and a further five to edit down a remarkable 350 hours of raw footage into the final 9-and-a-half-hour version. While the film eschews emotive archive footage in favour of a straightforward talking heads style, it is still a harrowing extremely powerful piece of work. The survivors’ stories are as chilling as one would expect, but it is Lanzmann’s interviews with those who staffed the camps that truly horrify, confirming what Hannah Arendt famously termed “the banality of Evil”.

Unfortunately due to circumstances beyond our control Claude Lanzmann will not be able to join us at the IFI as advertised.

Shoah Schedule

Part One (147 mins) May 7^th 18.00

Part Two (286 mins, includes 30 min interval) May 12^th 12.00

Part Three (140 mins) May 13^th 12.00

Tickets cost €20 (€18 IFI Members) in total for all screenings. Each screening ticketed as normal.

For more information and images please contact Patrick Stewart at the IFI Press Office on 01 679 5744 or pstewart@irishfilm.ie

The IFI acknowledges the financial support of the Arts Council.

-Ends-