Focus Features to release Luke Holland Third Reich doc ‘Final Account’

Focus Features will release the film theatrically in the U.S. on May 21, 2021

Coinciding with International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Focus Features and Participant announced Wednesday their latest collaboration in Final Account, the documentary that was filmed, directed and produced by the late Luke Holland (I Was a Slave Labourer, Good Morning Mr. Hitler) over the course of ten years. 

Final Account, a portrait of the last living generation of everyday people to participate in Adolf Hitler’s Third Reich, had its premiere at the 2020 Venice Film Festival and in addition to Holland is produced by John Battsek and Riete Oord. Participant’s Jeff Skoll and Diane Weyermann executive produced, along with Andrew Ruhemann of Passion Pictures and Claire Aguilar. Focus Features has worldwide rights excluding Israel, and will distribute the film this year in the U.S. on May 21 and Universal Pictures International will distribute internationally.

Over a decade in the making, Final Account raises vital, timely questions about authority, conformity, complicity and perpetration, national identity, and responsibility, as men and women ranging from former SS members to civilians in never-before-seen interviews reckon with – in very different ways – their memories, perceptions and personal appraisals of their own roles in the greatest human crimes in history.

Producers John Battsek and Riete Oord commented jointly, saying: “We couldn’t be prouder to have worked with Luke Holland on this film, which is a testament to him and his vision and talent as a filmmaker. It is our combined responsibility to make sure this film – his legacy – reaches as many people as possible, and we are thrilled to have Focus Features come on board with Participant and the entire filmmaking team in making that a reality.” 

Focus chairman Peter Kujawski said, “Luke Holland and the team at Participant have given the world a vital look into history.  This film will serve as a record that helps us better understand the most tragic of moments in human history, but it also reminds us to contemplate how fragile the tapestry of civility always is and how severe the consequences become when any one of us, our friends or neighbors are willing to make the easy choice instead of the right one.”

“Final Account represents a decade-long commitment by Luke Holland to acknowledge and preserve history, and we are thrilled to be working with our friends and partners at Focus Features in bringing this vitally relevant and timely film to audiences worldwide,” said Diane Weyermann, Chief Content Officer for Participant.

Tied to the film’s release, Participant will be working with USC Shoah Foundation – a global organization countering antisemitism and other forms of hatred through testimony – for educational resources on the film.