NEW YORK, NY (March 2, 2021) – IFC Films announced today that they are acquiring North American rights to Petra Epperlein and Michael Tucker’s documentary THE MEANING OF HITLER, a thought-provoking exploration of the lasting cultural fascination with the Nazi dictator and its resonance on present day politics. IFC Films will release the film later this year.

Directed by Petra Epperlein and Michael Tucker and filmed over the course of four years, the documentary takes its framework from Sebastian Haffner’s 1978 best selling book of the same title, dismantling the aura of legend surrounding Hitler’s life through interviews with subjects including Martin Amis, Saul Friedländer, Sir Richard Evans, Yehuda Bauer, and famed Nazi hunters Beate and Serge Klarsfeld. This film is produced by Epperlein, Tucker, Dana O’Keefe and Mike Lerner from Means of Production, and executive produced by Jeffrey Lurie, Marie Therese Guirgis and Anthony Dobkin. THE MEANING OF HITLER is a production of Uwaga Films and Play/Action Pictures.

THE MEANING OF HILTER is a provocative interrogation of our culture’s fascination with Hitler and Nazism set against the backdrop of the current rise of white supremacy, the normalization of antisemitism, and the weaponization of history itself. Shot in nine countries, the film traces Hitler’s movements, his rise to power, and the scenes of his crimes through the lens of key locations in his life as historians, writers, and scholars weigh in on the lasting impact of his virulent ideology. As fears of authoritarianism and fascism now abound, the film explores the myths and misconceptions of our understanding of the past, and the difficult process of coming to terms with it at a time in our history when it seems more urgent than ever.

The film was praised by critics for its political resonance following a world premiere bow at DOC NYC, with Sheri Linden of the Hollywood Reporter calling it “an urgent warning about the blind spots that have led us to the present moment.” In Indiewire, Eric Kohn wrote that the film was “a bracing blend of historical inquiry and cinematic soul-searching,” adding, “the movie isn’t just another cautionary tale; it’s a jagged intellectual wakeup call that cuts deep, and America can’t hear it enough.”

Arianna Bocco, President of IFC Films, said, “Petra and Michael’s documentaries stand out for their political urgency and nuanced yet provocative approach, and their latest work in THE MEANING OF HILTER is no exception. Their examination of Hitler’s lasting cultural draw in the face of the continued normalization of white supremacy and anti-Semitism is nothing less than essential, and we’re thrilled to have the chance to partner with them and bring this important dialogue to audiences.”

“In the wake of a politically tumultuous year, THE MEANING OF HITLER could not be more timely and we are honored to have IFC as a partner to bring the film to American audiences,” said Petra Epperlein, the film’s co-director and producer. “If there is any take-away from the recent past, it’s that history matters.”

The deal for the film was negotiated by IFC Films President Arianna Bocco, with Cinetic representing the filmmakers. Autlook Filmsales is handling international rights to the film.