To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, Discovery Channel will premiere two feature films, One Day in Auschwitz and Schindler’s List, across its international channels, Discovery Communications announced on Friday.
On Jan. 25, the network will air both films without commercial interruptions.
Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List will premiere nationwide on American Heroes Channel and air internationally in the U.K., Africa, New Zealand and Australia. One Day in Auschwitz will have its domestic premiere on both Discovery Channel and American Heroes Channel and air on Discovery Channel in more than 220 countries globally.
“American Heroes Channel is truly honored to present this original documentary and the incredible moving and important film Schindler’s List as we reflect on this solemn and important moment in history,” Kevin Bennett, EVP and general manager of American Heroes Channel, tells The Hollywood Reporter.
One Day in Auschwitz, airing in partnership with the USC Shoah Foundation, is an hour long special that chronicles the journey of Holocaust survivor Kitty Hart-Moxon as she returns to Auschwitz 70 years following her liberation from the German-Nazi concentration camps.
“One Day in Auschwitz shares a first-hand account of an important historical lesson, which is critical for us to preserve for future generations, as we lose more survivors and witnesses with each passing day,” David Zaslav, President and Chief Executive Officer of Discovery Communications, said in a statement. “We are honored to share Kitty’s story of inspiration, courage and hope, and proud to work with Steven Spielberg and his USC Shoah Foundation to broadcast these films to our global audience.”
Discovery Education has also partnered with USC Shoah Foundation to provide global education programs in remembrance of the tragedy for students in grades K-12. The IWitness program, an online site that provides an in-depth look into testimonies and witness accounts of the Holocaust, is offered through Discovery Education’s digital services. In addition, the partnership will host Auschwitz: The Past is Present, a communication program established to support all of the activities planned to honor the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, on Jan. 27. Zaslav will chair the program committee.
