Los Angeles, California – Acclaimed director László Nemes, known for his Holocaust film “Son of Saul,” has criticized fellow filmmaker Jonathan Glazer for controversial remarks made during his Oscar acceptance speech last weekend.
Glazer’s speech has sparked both support and backlash, as he expressed his refusal to be identified with his Jewish heritage and the Holocaust, citing ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. In response, Nemes voiced his disappointment, stating that Glazer lacks an understanding of history and the forces threatening civilization.
In an opinion piece for The Guardian newspaper, Nemes emphasized the importance of responsible filmmaking, suggesting that Glazer’s comments were aligned with propaganda seeking to erase Jewish presence from society. He raised concerns about the rise of antisemitism in a supposedly progressive era, where discrimination against Jews is not only tolerated but also encouraged.
Both “Son of Saul” and Glazer’s film “The Zone of Interest” explore themes related to the Holocaust and premiered at Cannes, garnering recognition for their powerful storytelling. While Glazer’s remarks have drawn critique from Nemes and others, the film’s executive producer, Danny Cohen, has publicly disagreed with Glazer’s stance.
Nemes’s critique underscores the ethical responsibilities that come with portraying historical tragedies on screen. By engaging in dialogue about the impact of art and representation, filmmakers like Nemes and Glazer contribute to a broader conversation about memory, identity, and the legacy of the Holocaust in contemporary society.