Is racism still not taken seriously? - New documentary The German People revisits Hanau's 2020 racist attack and its unanswered questions
A new documentary, The German People, has brought fresh attention to the 2020 Hanau attack, where nine people were killed and six injured in a racially motivated shooting. The film, directed by Marcin Wierzchowski, premiered at the 2025 Berlinale before winning the Hessian Film Award and later airing on 3sat.
The attack took place in February 2020, when the perpetrator targeted shisha bars in Hanau, claiming to act on behalf of 'the German people'. Investigations confirmed the crime was racially motivated. None of the victims had received clear warnings or protection despite earlier signs of potential danger.
Wierzchowski began documenting the victims' families immediately after the attack, recognising its racist nature. Over four years, he captured their grief and growing frustration as they demanded answers from authorities. The families later formed a working group to push for accountability. The film examines whether the attack could have been prevented. It also questions how seriously officials treated the crime and its racist motives. Their anger deepened as they uncovered failures in the response to prior warnings.
The German People aired on 3sat on March 18, 2025, at 8:15 PM, reigniting discussions about institutional accountability. The documentary highlights the families' ongoing struggle for justice and the gaps in addressing far-right violence. Their calls for change remain central to the film's message.
