From the Producers of “Call Me By Your Name,” a Powerful Animated Documentary on Holocaust Hero Fredy Hirsch

 

Prepare to be moved by a new animated documentary currently in production, spearheaded by the acclaimed producers behind the poignant film Call Me By Your Name. This upcoming project, as reported by Variety, will delve into the extraordinary life of Fredy Hirsch, a German-Jewish athlete, sports teacher, and Zionist youth leader who dedicated himself to protecting thousands of Jewish children during the horrors of Nazi-occupied Europe.

While the delicate and emotionally resonant style that characterized Call Me By Your Name might seem a departure from the subject matter, the producers’ involvement signals a commitment to telling Hirsch’s story with sensitivity and depth. Animation, as a medium, can offer a unique and perhaps more accessible way to engage with such a difficult historical period, particularly for younger audiences.

Fredy Hirsch’s story is one of remarkable courage and unwavering dedication. Born in Germany in 1916, Hirsch became deeply involved in Jewish youth movements. Even after the rise of the Nazi regime, he remained committed to helping children, eventually fleeing to Czechoslovakia. There, he continued his vital work, organizing sports activities, summer camps, and preparing young people for emigration to Palestine.

His efforts continued even within the confines of the Nazi concentration camps. Hirsch was among the first to be sent to Theresienstadt in 1941, where he played a crucial role in organizing life within the ghetto. Recognizing the particular vulnerability of children in such brutal conditions, he established special living quarters for them, separating them from the harsh realities faced by adults.

Tragically, Hirsch’s journey led him to the infamous Auschwitz-Birkenau. Yet, even in the face of unimaginable horror, he continued his selfless work. He was instrumental in creating a “children’s block” within the family camp, a desperate attempt to provide a semblance of normalcy and protection to the youngest prisoners. This involved ensuring basic hygiene, allowing for play, and even continuing education – acts of profound defiance and humanity amidst the dehumanization of the Holocaust.

The upcoming animated documentary promises to shed light on Hirsch’s incredible bravery and the lasting impact he had on the lives of countless children. His story, though ultimately tragic – he died in Auschwitz in March 1944 at the young age of 28 – serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of compassion in the darkest of times.

[h/t: Variety]

Read our interview with Tom CJ Brown here.