Photo : Mariage de Gisela, 1917. © Esther Hoffenberg
A Century of Love and Shame by Esther Hoffenberg
Step into a raw, deeply personal journey that maps the turbulent history of twentieth-century Europe through the lens of one family's survival. This striking documentary unearths the hidden legacies of three generations of women struggling for freedom against long-buried secrets and societal constraints. It is an essential watch for anyone interested in how the past shapes our current identity.
Mémorial de la Shoah (Paris 4th)
About
The Mémorial de la Shoah hosts the screening of Esther Hoffenberg’s documentary Un siècle d’amour et de honte on Sunday, November 1, 2026. This film maps the history of the director's maternal family, the Lamprechts, against the backdrop of 20th-century geopolitical shifts in Silesia. Through the lives of three generations of women, the work examines themes of artistic struggle, mental health, and the weight of ancestral secrets. This event is suitable for viewers aged 16 and over, and the venue is wheelchair accessible. Booking in advance is required to join this special session featuring the director.
Esther Hoffenberg's filmography is woven with portraits of women. A Century of Love and Shame traces the history of her maternal family, the Lamprechts, linked to the destiny of Silesia, a border region that throughout the 20th century was constantly contested between Germany, Poland, and Russia. Among these colorful characters, the director pays tribute to three generations of women—her mother Eva, her grandmother Gisela, and her great-grandmother Gizella-Idona—who fought for their freedom despite secrets about their origins, shame, mental illness, the disparagement of female artists, and the fear of transgression.
In the presence of the director.
In conversation with François Ekchajzer, journalist at Télérama.
With the support of the Foundation for the Memory of the Shoah.
Our take on this event
Join us at the Mémorial de la Shoah in Paris on November 1, 2026, from 17:00 to 20:00. The film Un siècle d’amour et de honte offers an intimate look at the director’s family history, deeply rooted in the disputed borders of Silesia throughout the 20th century. Esther Hoffenberg pays tribute to her mother Eva, her grandmother Gisela, and her great-grandmother Gizella-Idona, navigating their personal battles with societal pressure, illness, and the complex challenge of reclaiming their origins.
The screening will feature a live discussion with director Esther Hoffenberg, moderated by Télérama journalist François Ekchajzer. The event is supported by the Fondation pour la mémoire de la Shoah. Tickets are priced between 3€ and 5€. The premises are fully wheelchair accessible. Please ensure you make a reservation to attend this session, which is open to anyone aged 16 and older.
