This book considers how women’s experiences have been treated in films dealing with Nazi persecution. Focusing on fiction films made in Europe between 1945 and the present, this study explores dominant discourses on and cinematic representation of women as perpetrators, victims and resisters. Dr. Lewis contends that European Holocaust Cinema underwent a rich and complex trajectory of change with regard to the representation of women. This change both reflects and responds to key socio-cultural developments in the intervening decades as well as to new directions in cinema, historical research and politics of remembrance.

“An impressive and overdue entry into Holocaust Studies literature.”

Professor Wendy Lower, Claremont McKenna College, United States

“Demonstrable expertise, clarity of writing, breadth of coverage and sophistication of approach are all notable features of this excellent and important study.”

Professor Barry Langford, Royal Holloway, University of London, UK

“Lewis’s book provides a formidable and discerning overview that profoundly alters our understanding of the forms and evolution of the representation of women in European Holocaust cinema.”

Professor Laura Rascaroli,University College Cork, Ireland

The official launch was formally opened by the President of DkIT, Dr. Michael Mulvey, who noted Dr. Lewis’ academic achievements to date, her Romanian heritage and her positive contribution to the Institute. Noting that the launch of a book is one of the highest achievements in academia, event host Dr. Gerard Bob McKiernan, Head of the School of Informatics and Creative Arts, highlighted the positive reception amongst academics for Dr. Lewis’ book, reading commendations from renowned scholars from Ireland, the US and the UK.

Dr. Ingrid Lewis spoke to the audience about her motivation for this research and the fascinating journey that led to the publication of this key book. She also explained her theory of the ‘silenced gender paradigm’ in Holocaust historiography and filmic representation.

Amongst the distinguished speakers on the day was Professor Barry Langford, Head of Film Studies at Royal Holloway, University of London. He provided an insightful keynote that highlighted the importance of studying Holocaust films and the significance of Dr. Lewis’ book for future academic research. His speech incorporated a thorough discussion of two seminal films dealing with the Holocaust, Shoah (dir. Lanzmann, 1985) and Schindler’s List (dir. Spielberg, 1993). Also, Associate Professor Debbie Ging from Dublin City University provided an overview of Dr. Lewis’ book and spoke about the silencing of women and the relevance of foregrounding their experiences about the Holocaust.

Dr. Ingrid Lewis will continue to promote her book at various forthcoming international conferences and events. She acknowledges the importance of dynamic research environments such as the Creative Arts Research Centre at DkIT that contributes to the cultural life of the region through the dissemination of research.

ENDS.

Dr Lewis is a lecturer in the Department of Creative Media, Arts & Music at DkIT. To find out more about the courses offered in this Department, please click below:

DkIT Courses