Tatia
Nico Beyer | BE | 2026 | English with UT
Contents
As a researcher and educator, TATIA makes Holocaust history accessible to young people - through picture books. In doing so, she always asks herself the question: What does it mean to always live with a packed suitcase?
Why Holocaust education is important
Holocaust education creates a historical foundation without which key issues of the present are difficult to understand. Dealing with National Socialist persecution shows how quickly exclusion, dehumanisation and violence can become normalised in society when institutions fail and people look the other way. It makes it clear that the Holocaust is not just a closed event, but a point of reference for today's debates on anti-Semitism, racism and responsibility.
Good educational work goes beyond factual knowledge. It strengthens judgement and empathy by focusing on individual stories and decisions. Learners recognise that history is made by people and that actions have consequences. This connection is particularly important for young people because it gives them guidance without providing simple answers. Studies show that a structured approach to the Holocaust can reduce prejudices and strengthen democratic values if it is organised in an age-appropriate and reflective way.
Why picture books are a good approach
Picture books open up an approach that combines cognitive understanding and emotional perception. Pictures carry meaning where words reach their limits. They can condense complex historical contexts and at the same time leave room for personal interpretation. This is particularly important for younger learners because it makes abstract concepts such as persecution or loss more tangible.
A good picture book does not reduce the complexity of the topic, but structures it. It tells the story from a clear perspective and creates closeness to individual characters without being too overwhelming. The visual level makes it possible to ask questions without having to say everything. This creates a protected space for dialogue in which there is room for uncertainty and emotions.
Picture books are also effective didactically because they combine linguistic learning with historical education. They encourage close observation, interpretation and dialogue. Research in the field of Holocaust education shows that such multimodal approaches deepen understanding and have a more lasting effect than simply imparting knowledge. The decisive factor here is the embedding by teachers who provide context and accompany discussions.
Director - Nico Beyer
Camera - Christoph Wißing
Sound - Petra Schnidler
Editing - Peer Arne Sveistrup
Grading - Bernd Schulzendorff
Music / Sound - Christian Meyer
© JEWLIF 2026
Over 60sec.mentsh
60 seconds
can change a lot.
60secs.mentsh is a documentary film series that visualises Jewish life in Europe as a natural and enriching part of our society.
In collaboration with the renowned filmmaker Nico Beyer, we have developed 60sec.mentsh, a Europe-wide documentary film series that shows Jewish life in all its facets. We tell authentic stories of people who move, connect and challenge prejudices - in 60 seconds.
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Anyone who has reached the age of 18 and has their main place of residence in the EU can take part.
Exactly 60 seconds - no more, no less. The end credits do not count towards the total length.
An authentic, creative portrait of a Jewish person in Europe. Whether everyday life, work, family or culture. Anything that touches, moves or surprises is allowed.
Please submit your film in German or English. In case your film is shot in another language, please add subtitles in English.