We may not be Holocaust survivors or witnesses, but even then we still inherit the drama as well as the consequences of the Holocaust. Many of common debates are infuenced by it, and its commemoration remains critical in the states struggling with democratic standards. The film industry is not different in this respect. Many lifechanging and heartbreaking stories had their start in the horrors of the World War II and have been transformed into films.
„The Schindler's List”, telling the story of a German saving Jews during the WWII, is probably one of the most recognizable movies of all the times. Not only the story, but the film itself has had a significant impact on many lives, including mine. It has also changed my city making it a Holocaust tourist destination.
In her presentation, after referring to the film she would like to examine some dangers of beautifying the past and their effects for the historical storytelling. The real question, however lies not in the „reality” of the past, but in the present attempts to interpret it. Among some basic choices to be made are those of the limits of tolerance, the sense of belonging or the right to choose identity for oneself. All of them are the fundamental issues in the Holocaust commemoration and education.
Finally she will present a personal story, very much connected with Krakow, the city of the Schindler's List and confront the audience with some of the current Polish political regarding the unsolved issues of the memory of the Holocaust.
