Prosecuting Evil: The Extraordinary World of Ben Ferencz

Barry Avrich | Canada, 2018 | English | Documentary | 83m | DCP | IMDB | Distributor/Sales: Seventh Art Releasing | Festival marketing sample: AJFF 2019 | Trailer

Description: Ben Ferencz, born in Transylvania in 1920, emigrated with his family to the US when he was 10 months old to escape anti-Jewish persecution by Romanians who took over the territory from Hungary. Despite his modest background, he earned a scholarship to Harvard Law School. After his studies he joined the US Army and fought in WW2. Soon after his discharge, in December 1945, he was recruited to participate in the subsequent Nuremberg trials and was appointed as a chief prosecutor of the Einsatzgruppen Case, securing convictions of all defendants. He stayed on after the war and negotiated reparations for victims from the West German government, including an obligation to take care of the Jewish cemeteries in Germany in perpetuity. Returning to the US to join a private practice, he engaged in what would come to be described as human rights law. In later years he worked for the institution of the International Criminal Court and won multiple awards and recognitions of his achievements. He lives modestly in Florida, having given away most of his assets. An extended interview with Ferencz is supplemented with archival footage, stills, interviews with admirers including Alan Dershowitz, Rosalie Abella, Wesley Clark and his son.

Merits: This cinematically conventional documentary provides insight into the life of this important individual. The story of his prosecution of the lesser known Nuremberg trial, at the age of 27 and with no prior experience, is particularly fascinating. Although in his late nineties when interviewed, Ferencz speaks clearly and with great force of his convictions.

Rating: Suitable for all audiences.