The Wereth Eleven 2011
Distributed by Janson Media, 88 Semmons Road, Harrington Park, NJ 07640; 201-784-8488
Produced by Joseph A. Springer
Directed by Robert Child
DVD, color and b&w, 60 min.
Jr. High - General Adult
African American Studies, European Studies, History, Military Studies
Date Entered: 02/15/2012
Reviewed by Scott S. Richmond, Reference and Instruction Librarian, Daniel A. Reed Library, State University of New York at FredoniaThis docudrama, winner of the 2011 G. I. Film Festival’s Founder’s Choice Award, tells the story of The Wereth Eleven, the eleven soldiers from the 333rd Field Artillery Battalion, one of nine battalions consisting completely of African American soldiers in the European Theater, who were brutally murdered by the Nazi SS in Wereth, Belgium on December 17, 1944. The director weaves personal interviews, archival footage and incredible modern dramatizations to tell their story. The film also addresses, though briefly, the issues and difficulties associated with being an African American soldier in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II. The cinematography and sound quality of this film are excellent. The DVD also has an Extra Features section, which consists of The Wereth 11 Exposed, a behind the scenes look at the creation of the modern dramatizations, an “Interview with Joseph Springer” as well as a Producer Panel Discussion. This film would be a great addition to any library collection.
Awards
- Founder’s Choice Award, G.I. Film Festival 2011