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Deep Dive: Eyewitness (2021)

Film Lens

Eyewitness
The documentary focuses on the massacre of over 260 Carpathian Germans, Hungarians, and Slovaks by Czechoslovak army soldiers near Přerov in June 1945. It uses a minimalist dramatization of interrogation footage featuring direct participants and eyewitnesses to convey the events of this tragic incident. The film presents these testimonies as if characters from ancient theatre are delivering their accounts on a modern Zoom stage, emphasizing the themes of fear, hatred, and indifference that resonate across time. By centering on the voices of those who experienced the massacre, the film aims to create a stark representation of the violence and its aftermath. The approach combines historical context with personal narratives, allowing viewers to confront the emotional weight of the events while reflecting on the wider effects of such acts of mass violence.

Why Watch

  • See firsthand accounts of the Přerov massacre.
  • Meet the eyewitnesses of this tragic event.
  • Find out about the historical context of the massacre.

Did You Know

More than 260 Carpathian Germans, Hungarians, and Slovaks were executed.
The massacre occurred near Přerov in June 1945.
The film includes 34 talking heads sharing their perspectives.

Perfect For

World War II historyCzech historyEyewitness testimonies