“Etty”, interview with director Hagai Levi

During the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, FRED delved into the powerful six-episodes series “Etty“, inspired by the diaries of Etty Hillesum, a Holocaust survivor. Director Hagai Levi shared with us insights on how the series connects the past to present-day issues, emphasizing its urgent relevance in today’s world. By blending personal history with modern themes, through the six episodes of this work it offers viewers a profound reflection on resilience, identity, and the shadow of history.

The interview

Hagai Levi explained that “Etty” tries to make her story accessible and relatable to a new generation. “At first glance, it might seem like a story set in occupied Amsterdam, but what makes it so powerful is how it reflects issues we still grapple with today,” he remarked. Nodding to recent events like the October 7th attacks and ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, the Holocaust imagery and historical trauma is brought back to enhance the awareness that still lacks so much into public consciousness.

“Etty” stands out as a timely and poignant portrayal of survival and hope, hoping that that viewers will see Etty’s story not just as a historic account but as a mirror reflecting ongoing societal struggles, considering their own responses to adversity and to the importance of remembering history.

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