Aracy: Der Engel von Hamburg

The Brazilian Aracy de Carvalho moves to Hamburg with her son in 1934. Despite the Nazi dictatorship, Germany is a refuge for her as a single woman. But through her work at the Brazilian consulate, Aracy is confronted with the persecution of Jews in the Third Reich. She helped countless of them to leave the country in the years before the Second World War. For the refugees and their survivors, who have their say in the film, she becomes the angel of Hamburg. The docudrama tells the story of a woman who did not want to be a hero, but who saved the lives of countless people.

Directed by Gabriele Rose, Aracy: Der Engel von Hamburg leans on a strong ensemble — Cristina do Rego, Ilona Schulz, Sören Kneidl — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about documentary titles of 2022.