‘Zone of Interest’ Backer Access Funds New Holocaust Music Doc for BBC Arts

As a movie buff with a deep appreciation for historical documentaries, I am truly thrilled about the commission of “The Last Musician of Auschwitz” by Two Rivers Media in collaboration with BBC Arts. The fact that this film is being produced to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz adds an extra layer of significance and poignancy to this project.


BBC Arts has given the go-ahead to Two Rivers Media for creating a commemorative feature documentary, titled “The Last Musician of Auschwitz,”, marking the 80th anniversary since the liberation of Auschwitz.

As a dedicated cinema enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that I’ve come across an upcoming 90-minute production. This thought-provoking film, co-financed by Access, the esteemed backers of “The Zone of Interest,” which has graced the stages of Cannes, Oscars, and BAFTAs, will delve into the untold stories of musicians who defied adversity and created enchanting melodies within the confines of a concentration camp during the Holocaust. Their resilience and inspiring spirit will be brought to life through this powerful cinematic experience.

Focusing on Anita Lasker-Wallfisch, the sole surviving musician from the orchestras at Auschwitz, the documentary will also spotlight four other musicians hailing from different parts of Europe: Adam Kopyciński, Szymon Laks, Martin D’Arguto, and Ilse Weber. The film includes a previously undiscovered composition by Weber and a debut performance of a lullaby penned by Kopyciński within Auschwitz itself.

Alan Clements, the managing director of Two Rivers Media, will be among the executive producers for the project at Access, joining Cohen and Emily Blavatnik. Deborah Lee is in charge of production, while Toby Trackman will handle the directing duties.

Abacus Media Rights will handle international distribution.

Danny Cohen, head of Access, expressed: “This significant movie narrates the tale of Auschwitz through the potent perspective of music. It promises to be an emotional, thought-provoking, and at times startling film – a unique blend of factual footage, expert discussions, historical archives, artistic dramatization, and music. We are deeply honored to be part of this endeavor.”

Suzy Klein, the head of BBC Arts and Classical Music TV, stated: “During the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation, ‘The Last Musician of Auschwitz’ demonstrates that music serves as a powerful witness to the experiences of musicians during the Holocaust – not only showcasing their suffering but also their resilience.”

Jonathan Ford, the managing director of Abacus Media Rights, expressed his gratitude: “The preservation of these people’s tales and their music from being lost forever is largely due to the dedication of families, friends, and scholars. This documentary carries a strong message that will touch audiences globally. We’re thrilled to be involved in this project.”

Recently, Two Rivers has worked on several projects for the BBC. One was “Confessions of a Teenage Fraudster” for BBC Three and iPlayer, while another was a Viagra documentary titled “Keeping It Up,” which aired on BBC Two’s Storyville.

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2024-07-30 11:16