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Amen (US Premiere) - Benefit Gala
Directed by Costa-Gavras
Produced in France, 2002
Running Time: 130m
Format: 35mm
Genre: Drama
Distributor: Pathe International




At what moment in a man's life must ethics come before self-preservation? Costa-Gavras, world-renowned director of films including Z, THE CONFESSION, MISSING, and MUSIC BOX, poses this question in his most recent film, AMEN.

Kurt Gerstein, a real-life chemist and SS officer in Nazi Germany, used the gas Zyklon B to disinfect barracks. When he realized the gas was being used in concentration camps to exterminate people, he denounced this atrocity and tried to alert the Allies through contact with a Swedish diplomat, and appealed to Pope Pious XII through the Papal Nuncio in Berlin, putting himself and his family at grave personal risk. In the end, he decided to remain an SS officer in order to bear witness.

Ricardo, a fictitious character in the film, represents the countless number of priests who had the heart to struggle against Nazi brutality and often paid for their courage with their lives. Starring Ulrich Tukur, Mathieu Kassovitz and Ulrich Mühe. Costa-Gavras' newest film is a strong condemnation of those powers that kept silent about the atrocities and a moving portrait of those individuals who were brave enough to speak out.

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