Watch Swimming in Auschwitz

Swimming in Auschwitz is a touching and emotional documentary film that chronicles the extraordinary story of six female Holocaust survivors who, despite their traumatic experiences, found solace and camaraderie in a swimming pool inside the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp during World War II. The film was directed by Jon Kean and produced by Caroline Laskow.

The survivors, Renee Firestone, Erika Jacoby, Lili Majzner, Lala Fenster, Naomi Blumenthal, and Anita Lasker-Wallfisch, share their heartbreaking stories of survival and reveal how the swimming pool became a symbol of hope and defiance for them. The film takes us through their unimaginable journey from their deportation to the concentration camp, to their daily struggle to survive, and ultimately to their liberation and recovery.

Renee Firestone, who was just 20 years old when she was sent to Auschwitz, recounts how she lost her entire family but found solace in the camp's swimming pool. She describes how she and her friends would spend hours swimming, laughing, and forgetting their troubles in the icy water. Erika Jacoby, who was a trained swimmer before the war, remembers how the pool provided a much-needed sense of normalcy and routine in the midst of the camp's chaos and brutality.

The film also explores how the swimming pool became a site of resistance for the women. Lili Majzner, who was forced into slave labor at the age of 15, recounts how she and her fellow prisoners would secretly hold swimming competitions, defying the Nazis' attempts to take away their humanity. The pool also served as a place for the women to form strong bonds of friendship and support. Lala Fenster, who was just a child when she was sent to Auschwitz, remembers how the older women in the camp took care of her and protected her from harm.

Swimming in Auschwitz also sheds light on the important role that sports played in the lives of the prisoners. The film includes archival footage of the prisoners participating in various sports, such as soccer and volleyball, as well as the arrival of the famous Red Army team who played a match against the prisoners. The sports not only provided a brief respite from the horrors of the camp but also helped to forge a sense of community and solidarity among the prisoners.

The film is beautifully shot and includes stunning aerial footage of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, which is now a museum and memorial site. The survivors' interviews are intercut with archival footage and photographs from the period, as well as reenactments of their experiences inside the camp. The film also features a moving score by composer Jonathan Kaledin.

Swimming in Auschwitz is a powerful and poignant tribute to the strength and resilience of Holocaust survivors. It is a testament to the human spirit and the power of hope and friendship even in the darkest of times. The survivors' stories are a reminder of the importance of remembering the past and honoring the lives that were lost. This film is a must-watch for anyone interested in Holocaust history and the stories of ordinary people who faced extraordinary circumstances.

In conclusion, Swimming in Auschwitz is an impactful film that tells the story of six female Holocaust survivors who found comfort and hope in the swimming pool that was once part of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. The film is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit and is a powerful reminder of the importance of remembering the past. The survivors' stories of survival and friendship are truly inspiring and will touch the hearts of viewers.

Swimming in Auschwitz is a 2007 documentary with a runtime of 56 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.