(Photo Credits: Screengrab from Netflix Deutschland, Österreich und Schweiz’s Official YouTube Account)

The 2023 documentary Eldorado: Everything the Nazis Hate sheds light on a dark period of LGBTQ+ persecution in Nazi-era Germany, exploring the lives, resilience, and cultural contributions of queer communities during the early 20th century. Directed by Benjamin Cantu and Matt Lambert, this film takes viewers back to the Weimar Republic era, a progressive time in Berlin where LGBTQ+ individuals experienced a flourishing community before the oppressive rise of the Nazi regime. The documentary, currently rated 7.5/10 on IMDb by viewers, combines historical accounts with dramatic storytelling, blending the voices of historians, survivors, and actors to vividly portray this turbulent period.

The official synopsis of the film reads:

“A glittery nightclub in 1920s Berlin becomes a haven for LGBTQ+ communities. Historians explore the freedoms that were lost amid Adolf Hitler’s rise to power and the loss of a crucial queer histories.”

The film centers around the infamous Eldorado nightclub, a vibrant LGBTQ+ hub in Berlin where individuals across the spectrum of sexual identities gathered freely. Eldorado became a symbol of freedom and defiance against societal norms, yet as the Nazi regime gained power, the LGBTQ+ community faced devastating oppression, forced into hiding and enduring targeted brutality. Eldorado emphasizes the horrifying impact of laws like Paragraph 175, which criminalized homosexuality and led to thousands of arrests, forced labor, and concentration camp sentences for LGBTQ+ individuals.

By casting Eren Güvercin, Eli Otto Kappo, and Antonio Lallo, Eldorado introduces both well-known historical figures and lesser-known individuals who navigated this harsh reality. The documentary also addresses how LGBTQ+ life survived underground despite the regime’s relentless persecution, reminding audiences of the resilience of queer communities even under dire circumstances. Through firsthand accounts and archival footage, Eldorado captures both the struggles and the enduring spirit of this marginalized community, encouraging viewers to reflect on the painful, often-overlooked narratives within the broader context of World War II.

With a TV-MA rating, this 92-minute documentary tackles mature themes in a way that makes the story accessible yet impactful. The authentic historical approach, combined with poignant narration and dramatized segments, allows viewers to grasp the psychological and societal impacts of persecution while celebrating the lives, loves, and legacies of those who endured.

Eldorado offers a significant reminder of the importance of remembering and acknowledging past injustices against LGBTQ+ individuals. As anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment rose to life-threatening extremes, the community’s fortitude, as shown in the film, is a powerful call to resist the erasure of marginalized histories. Available on select streaming platforms like Roku and Netflix, Eldorado: Everything the Nazis Hate is essential viewing for those seeking to understand the LGBTQ+ struggle and survival in the face of one of history’s darkest regimes.

Watch the trailer here:

Happy viewing!

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