Introduction"Warwick Davis: The Seven Dwarfs of Auschwitz" is a 2013 documentary, which traces the chilling and awful journey of the Ovitz household-- seven overshadows out of a 12 member Romani-Jewish household, who made it through the vicious programs of WWII Auschwitz-Birkenau prisoner-of-war camp. Narrated and provided by actor Warwick Davis (himself a dwarf and thinking about the plight of others like him), the movie brings to light a lesser-known but impactful story from the Holocaust.
The Ovitz FamilyInitially from Romania, the Ovitz member of the family were travelling musicians, referred to as the 'Lilliput Troupe', called after their little statures due to pseudohypoparathyroidism. This congenital disease triggered their dwarfism. Regardless of their physical difficulties, they succeeded entertainers in Eastern Europe, performing for a varied audience, including King Carol II of Romania. Their lives took a drastic turn when they were sent out to Auschwitz in 1944.
Life in AuschwitzIn Auschwitz, the Ovitz family immediately caught the eye of the infamous Dr. Josef Mengele, likewise referred to as the "Angel of Death". Mengele had a gruesome fascination with twins and people with physical anomalies, typically conducting inhumane medical experiments in his mission for hereditary research study. He subjected the Ovitz family to repeated tests, which included uncomfortable treatments without anesthesia, blood draws, and dental assessments. Nevertheless, Mengele also guaranteed their survival, considering them valuable specimens for his research. Thus, they got away the gas chambers faced by an estimated 1.1 million individuals in Auschwitz, including fellow Romani people and Jews.
Survival and LiberationIn spite of the harsh conditions and cruel treatment they endured, the Ovitz household remained unified, supporting and taking care of each other. They were freed in January 1945 when Russian troops reached Auschwitz. Post liberation, the household continued their musical career, visiting throughout Israel and the United States and bring the agonizing experiences with them.
Warwick Davis' ExplorationWarwick Davis, moved by their story, chose to explore it in depth, retracing the Ovitz family's journey from the heights of their carrying out profession to the horrors of Auschwitz. He intended to bring their story to a bigger audience, clarifying how the family's dwarfism, which generally would have been a disadvantage, ironically played a role in their survival. Davis, who has dwarfism himself, uses sensitive and compassionate commentary throughout the documentary.
Conclusion"Warwick Davis: The Seven Dwarfs of Auschwitz" is a thought-provoking and disturbing representation of the cruelties inflicted by the Nazis, along with a testament to human resilience in the face of severe hardship. By producing the lesser-known stories from the Holocaust, it makes sure that such stories from among the darkest chapter in human history aren't forgotten. The Ovitz family's resilience in protecting their humankind regardless of the horrendous circumstances works as an inspiration and a warning for future generations.
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