Always Remember is a six-month series of free, virtual screenings designed to raise Holocaust awareness through cinema. Each month from June through November, we’ll offer a selection of films designed to amplify unique voices and experiences relating to the Holocaust, highlighting LGBTQ+ stories, women’s perspectives, stories of resistance, youth experiences and more.

You’re invited to join us for an online screening of Paragraph 175, followed by a pre-recorded conversation with directors Jeffery Friedman and Rob Epstein, moderated by Benjamin Cantu.

Paragraph 175 recounts the lives of a handful of gay men, as well as one lesbian, who were persecuted by the Nazis for their sexuality. The film focuses on the importance of a country’s memory and our tendency to focus on some stories, while allowing others to remain hidden. The story of gay people, mostly men, who were persecuted by the Nazis is one of these that remains mostly forgotten. At the time the film was made, fewer than ten of these victimized men were known to be living. Paragraph 175, part of the German Penal Code of 1871, was the document that was used to justify the maltreatment of these homosexual men. In its original form, it reads: “An unnatural sex act committed between persons of the male sex or by humans with animals is punishable by imprisonment; the loss of civil rights may also be imposed.”

Paragraph 175 participated in festivals around the world and won the following prizes:

Special Jury Prize at the 2000 Banff Television Festival; FIPRESCI Prize at the 2000 Berlin International Film Festival; Teddy Award at the 2000 Berlin International Film Festival; Glitter Award for Best Documentary voted by Gay Film Festivals at 2002 Glitter Awards; Best Documentary at the 2000 Milan International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival; Jury Prize at the 2000 Philadelphia International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival; Audience Award at the 2000 San Francisco International Lesbian & Gay Film Festival; Directing Award at the 2000 Sundance Film Festival; Award for Excellence at the 2000 TWIST: Seattle Queer Film Festival

 
2000, 81 minutes, color; English with French and German subtitles | Directed by Rob Epstein, Jeffrey Friedman | Written by Sharon Wood | Featuring Klaus Müller, Karl Gorath, Pierre Seel, Heinz F., Annette Eick, Albrecht Becker, Gad Beck, Heinz Dörmer | Produced by Michael Ehrenzweig, Janet Cole, Rob Epstein, Jeffrey Friedman | Co-Produced by Howard Rosenman | Executive Produced by John Hoffman, Sheila Nevins
 

Registration Information

Film Independent Members and the general public can register for this event starting at 6:00 pm PT on Monday, June 17. | Registration is free; one registration per individual.

Completing a single registration for any Always Remember film in a given month will grant access to all films available that month. You’ll also have the option to register for the entire series.
 

How to Watch

We’re excited to present a diverse, engaging series that is accessible to anyone who wishes to participate – all you need is an email address and a device on which to stream the film(s).

On the first day of screening availability, registrants will be emailed a secure link by our partner Vision Media to watch that month’s films in the Film Independent Presents Online Screening Room. The access period to view the films will be approximately the last two weeks of each month.
 

Online Screening Policies

Availability window and registration capacity may vary; always register as early as possible to ensure access. Links are watermarked, nontransferable and may only be used by the individual who completed the registration. Limit one link per individual, per event.

Registrants are required to follow all rules and guidelines as laid out by Film Independent and/or its partners. If a guest has been registered for an event by a Member, these policies shall apply to that guest. Violation of policies may result in suspension or termination of Membership/access to future events.

Always Remember films, participants, availability window(s) and other details are subject to change without prior notice.
 

Questions?

For more info about Film Independent and Always Remember, visit our FAQ page.

You can also reach us directly at [email protected].
 

Accessibility

Film Independent is committed to hosting events that are accessible. For inquiries regarding accessibility, or to request an accommodation, please contact us at [email protected] or 323 556 9305.