Watch Kinderblock 66: Return to Buchenwald

Kinderblock 66: Return to Buchenwald is a powerful and moving documentary film that tells the story of a group of Holocaust survivors who reunite decades after their experience in the infamous Kinderblock 66 at the Buchenwald concentration camp. The film weaves together archival footage, personal testimonies, and stunning reenactments to create a gripping and poignant narrative that sheds light on the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unspeakable horror.

Directed by Robby Elmaliah and produced by Irit Shimrat, Kinderblock 66: Return to Buchenwald takes viewers on a journey through time as the survivors recall their traumatic memories of being torn from their families and forced to live in the Kinderblock 66, which was reserved for children believed to be capable of forced labor. The film features interviews with several survivors who share their stories in candid detail, providing insight into their experiences and the lasting impact that Buchenwald has had on their lives.

Avraham Ahuvia, one of the survivors featured in the film, recounts his harrowing journey from Hungary to Buchenwald, where he was separated from his family at the age of 14 and forced to work in a factory making airplane parts. Ahuvia describes the brutal conditions in the camp, where prisoners were forced to work long hours in freezing temperatures and were subjected to cruel and sadistic treatment by their guards.

Frank Dobia, another survivor, tells a similarly horrific tale of being taken from his family and sent to Buchenwald at the age of 10. Dobia worked in the camp's shoe factory and remembers being beaten and starved by his captors. He also recalls the agony of being forced to watch as his fellow prisoners were tortured and murdered by the Nazis.

Yet despite their traumatic experiences, the survivors featured in Kinderblock 66: Return to Buchenwald also speak of the bonds of friendship and solidarity that helped them to endure the horrors of the camp. Yendrick Fluser, who was also sent to Buchenwald as a child, speaks movingly of the kindness and compassion shown to him by his fellow prisoners, many of whom risked their own lives to help him survive.

The film also explores the legacy of Buchenwald on subsequent generations, as the survivors reflect on the challenges of grappling with their trauma and finding ways to pass on their memories to future generations. The survivors speak of their efforts to educate young people about the Holocaust and the importance of bearing witness to the atrocities committed by the Nazis.

Throughout the film, Elmaliah interweaves stunning reenactments of the survivors' experiences at Buchenwald, adding a visceral and emotional depth to their testimonies. These reenactments are expertly crafted, immersing the viewer in the harrowing reality of life in the camp and emphasizing the importance of remembering the atrocities committed there.

Overall, Kinderblock 66: Return to Buchenwald is a deeply moving and thought-provoking film that offers a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable horror. Through the personal testimonies of the survivors, the film sheds light on a dark chapter in human history and serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of bearing witness to the crimes committed during the Holocaust.

Kinderblock 66: Return to Buchenwald is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9.