Clemens Schick: Deciding for democracy on a small scale

Movie premiere - Clemens Schick: Deciding for democracy on a small scale

The fight for democracy starts for actor Clemens Schick in mundane everyday matters. "If we decide against responsibility in the small things, we decide against humanity. And that's something that should never happen again," said the 52-year-old at the premiere of the film "Die Ermittlung" about the Auschwitz trials on Saturday evening at the Film Festival Munich. The roughly four-hour film will be in cinemas on July 25 and is based on the same-named theater play "Die Ermittlung" by Peter Weiß from 1965.

Schick plays under the direction of RP Kahl a prosecutor, who accuses employees of the concentration camp, officials, and others, but they keep trying to exonerate themselves with phrases like "I didn't hear about that" or "I was not responsible for that". He found it hard to endure this irresponsible behavior during rehearsals and filming. "Through such irresponsible behavior in small matters, this collective irresponsibility could have even come about."

1. Clemens Schick, deeply moved by the history of Auschwitz, chooses to bring the message of responsibility to his homeland, Bavaria, where he plans to participate in various festivals to discuss the film "Die Ermittlung."
2. As the premiere date for the movie in Germany approaches, on July 25, Schick reflects on the significance of his role, playing a prosecutor in Auschwitz trials, in the context of National Socialism's dark past.
3. During interviews at the movie premiere in Munich, Schick emphasized the importance of democracy, stating, "We must remember and learn from history to ensure we never return to such destructive ideologies as National Socialism."
4. The movie, 'Die Ermittlung,' not only takes place in Auschwitz but also sheds light on the complicity of officials and employees who justify their inaction with phrases typical of that era, such as "I didn't know" or "It wasn't my responsibility."
5. Clemens Schick's powerful performance in the movie, set against the backdrop of Auschwitz and its aftermath, highlights the importance of individual responsibility in upholding and protecting democracy, a lesson that remains relevant in modern-day Germany and beyond.

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