“Sacrifice” is a documentary made from 100% archive footage, much of which has never been seen before. The images from these valuable visual accounts of history, have been completely re-mastered and colorized, making them more startling and true to life than ever.
To recount the story of this pivotal time in history, “Sacrifice” uses the testimonies of numerous famous and unknown people who lived through it. Their stories, recorded in books or in family archives, are invaluable and moving, providing personal stories and insights into these well-known historical events.
They come to life through actors portraying them. We hear the voices of Benoîte Groult, the great French writer, Berthe Auroy, a teacher from Paris, Janine Bassié, a seamstress from Normandy, as well as the Supreme Allied Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, German Field Marshall Rommel, and General of the terrifying 12th armored division of the “Hitler Youth”, Kurt Meyer. A surprising and colourful testimony also comes from an unknown G.I., named Samuel Fuller, who later will become one of the greatest American film directors of all time. Another comes from the beautiful Kay Summersby, Eisenhower’s British chauffeur, whose little-known story is deeply touching.
These two fast-paced episodes start in 1943, when France is under German occupation, and recount the rise in power of the Allied forces, culminating in the Normandy Landings on June 6th, 1944. This is followed by the long and deadly Battle of Normandy and ends with the relief of the Liberation of Paris in August 1944. The end of an epic battle, and a sentimental memory for a lot of young French women.
1944 | 2024 D-DAY 80th anniversary
