A 2012 documentary that explores the history and meaning of the numbers tattooed on the bodies of Auschwitz prisoners, guided by survivors’ testimonies.
Synopsis – “Auschwitz prisoners, both Jewish or non-Jewish, were tattooed with serial numbers, first on their chests and then their left arms. An estimated 400,000 numbers were tattooed in Auschwitz and its sub-camps; only some several thousand survivors are still alive today. Numbered is an explosive, highly visual, and emotionally cinematic journey, guided by testimonies and portraits of these survivors. The film documents the dark time and setting during which these tattoos were assigned as well as the meaning they took on in the years following the war. In fact, the film’s protagonist is the number itself, as it evolves and becomes both a personal and collective symbol from 1940 to today. These scars, paradoxically unanimous and anonymous, reveal themselves to be diverse, enlightening, and full of life.”
Opinion – Simplistic screening of survivors’ testimonies on the before and the after impact of their/this number. Pleasant to watch as additional reference to the number’s meaning and the experience and life of Auschwitz survivors.
Directors – Dana Doron, Uriel Sinai; Length – 55 minutes
Interesting articles on the author’s inspiration and history of the documentary. [Hyperlinked]
Available on Netflix, sold as DVD.
Documenting Life 