Three Minutes: A Lengthening
Three Minutes: A Lengthening

Movie spotlight

Three Minutes: A Lengthening

2022
Movie
69 min
English

The story of the only three minutes of footage —a home movie shot by David Kurtz in 1938— showing images of the Jewish inhabitants of Nasielsk (Poland) before the beginning of the Shoah.

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes98%
Metacritic82/100
Google Users95%
Director: Bianca StigterGenres: Documentary, History

Plot Summary

This documentary uses a fragile, silent 1938 film reel discovered by Glenn Kurtz to explore the lives of Jewish residents in the Polish town of Nasielsk before the Holocaust. Through vivid narration and historical context, the film transforms the fleeting images into a poignant memorial, honoring those who perished and highlighting the richness of their lost world. It serves as a powerful testament to memory, loss, and the enduring human spirit.

Critical Reception

"Three Minutes: A Lengthening" has been widely acclaimed by critics for its deeply moving and innovative approach to Holocaust remembrance. Reviewers lauded its ability to bring history to life through a single piece of footage, emphasizing its emotional resonance and educational value. Audiences have also responded strongly, appreciating its sensitive portrayal of pre-war Jewish life and its powerful tribute to the victims.

What Reviewers Say

  • A profoundly moving and innovative exploration of memory and the Holocaust.

  • Praised for its ability to humanize victims through salvaged footage.

  • Commended for its sensitive and respectful treatment of a difficult subject.

Google audience: Google users overwhelmingly appreciate the film's unique approach to memorializing victims of the Holocaust by focusing on personal stories captured in rare footage. Many highlight its emotional impact and its success in bringing a lost community to life. The documentary is frequently praised for its educational value and its profound respect for history.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Documentary at the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA), and won the Audience Award at the Thessaloniki Documentary Festival.

Fun Fact

The original film reel, known as the 'Nissels' footage, was shot by David Kurtz, an amateur filmmaker and the grandfather of the historian Glenn Kurtz, who discovered and pieced together the story.

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