‘When I returned from the bathroom, I went to Chrobok’s bed, placed my hand under the blanket on his thighs, and gently stroked his genitals. It aroused me.‘
AD 1941. Leo Kowal, a 36-year-old treasurer of the Slovak Nazi party Deutsche Partei, is on his way to Vienna. He is to testify in the so-called homosexual case of his colleague Herbert Chrobok. He has no idea that the Gestapo has prepared a brutal interrogation instead — and that he will never return home.
‘§ 175: Fornication between men – A man who commits sexual acts with another man, or allows himself to be misused for sexual acts by a man, will be punished with prison.‘
Up to 15 000 men were sent to concentration camps during World War II for homosexuality. They were marked with pink triangles, sewn onto their clothes.
The end of the war did not bring them freedom. While other victims of the Holocaust were acknowledged, they remained classified as criminals. The laws remained unchanged for years, leaving many survivors with only one option: silence.
All of this for a desire between two people.
‘The words are stuck in my chest. Somewhere during puberty, a feeling settled there — that sex between two men is dirty and disgusting. And yet, deep down, I longed for it. I am ashamed — even though I know I have no reason to be,‘ says the film’s director.
Even today, gay sex is not destigmatized. Queer people and organizations remain targets, not only of verbal attacks.
The documentary essay 66852/REIMAGINED connects a deeply intimate journey to overcome shame with the fate of Leo Kowal — a historically ambivalent Nazi who was sent to Dachau because of his desire.
What does a beam of light expose in the dark of night?
Who’s behind this campaign?
Director Radek Ševčík continues his work with queer themes In 2023, he directed the short documentary Poisoned Well about the terrorist attack on queer people in Bratislava. His films have been screened at a number of international documentary festivals, including FIPADOC, Dok.Leipzig, and Kassel Dokfest. Through his work, he engages with pressing social issues — a focus that led him to research the queer history of the Holocaust.
‘I wanted to make a film about the queer history of the Holocaust, but I had no idea where to start. So I sent a somewhat naive email to Anna Hájková, and only later did I realize what a renowned historian she is.‘ says Radek. ‘Since then, she has been my expert consultant.‘
Dr. Anna Hájková teaches at the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom, specializing in queer history of the Holocaust and sexuality. She is the author of several books translated into multiple languages, including ‘The Last Ghetto: An Everyday History of Theresienstadt‘ and ‘People Without History Are Dust: Queer Desire in the Holocaust‘.
Radek surrounded himself with sensitive and creative students and alumni of FTF VŠMU, who are dedicated to helping him create an honest and unique film.
© photo of Dr. Anna Hájková by Václav Jirásek
Where your support goes
We need to continue researching in archives, obtain licenses for historical materials, and secure legal consultations. The funds will also be used for filming: Kowal’s journey takes us beyond Slovakia, with filming planned in Austria and Germany.
That’s why we need your support: to cover fuel, van rental, filming permits, and accommodation, as well as camera and lighting equipment.
We want the film to reach audiences around the world, which is why part of the funds will go toward distribution and festival submission fees.
Help young filmmakers bring important topics to light.
| You help us keep memory alive. Thank you! |
© foto Anny Hájkovej: Václav Jirásek
