The Lesson
Elena Horn (’17) | Director
Alessandro Leonardi (’17) | Cinematography & Editing
“The Lesson” follows four children through their experience of learning about the Holocaust in a German state school. Filmed over five years during 2014-2019, the film touches upon important social and political issues including the resurgence of the far-right, xenophobia, the fractured, disparate collective memory of National Socialism and the surprising lack of intimate knowledge of the younger generations on the subject. The film examines how despite the perceived exemplary educational system, new generations are growing indifferent to their nation’s dark past and unwilling to apply the lessons learned to the realities of today. Filmed against the backdrop of changing political scenery during five years of production, in Germany and across the world, the film subtly suggests the urgency and importance in tackling the uncomfortable truths therein.