1972 Olympics: Film reveals the drama behind the hostage-taking!

1972 Olympics: Film reveals the drama behind the hostage-taking!

On January 12, 2025 it was announced that the new film “SEPTEMBER 5”, directed by Tim Fehlbaum, would be shown in cinemas. The film addresses the hostage-taking of the Israeli Olympic team by Palestinian terrorists during the Munich Olympics in 1972. This dramatic event, which occurred at 4:40 a.m. on September 5, 1972, resulted in the murder of eleven members of the Israeli team.

The film offers an immersive perspective on the events, with producer Geoff (John Magaro) and sports director Roone Arledge (Peter Sarsgaard) opting for live coverage after hearing gunfire from their studio, just 100 meters from the action. The journalists transform into war correspondents while German interpreter Marianne (Leonie Benesch) provides insight into national news and police radio. Media reporting becomes a central issue, raising questions about journalism versus voyeurism and the impact on relatives.

Historical context and technologies

The 1972 Olympics were the first to be broadcast live worldwide via satellite. Germany wanted to present a cheerful image with these games, as they were the first games after 1936. The hostage crisis, broadcast live on sports television, revealed the revolutionization of sports reporting by Roone Arledge, who introduced new techniques such as on-field cameras and slow motion.

The film follows an authentic perspective and only shows what the TV crew could see. With over 90 hours of filming, the director tries to create a documentary feel. Real phone calls and images have been integrated into the narrative, while the depiction of the victims is treated with reverence without showing any real victims. In addition, original material from Jim McKay, the presenter of the 1972 Olympic Games, is licensed and used.

Another aspect of the film is the technological developments and their influence on media reporting. Tim Fehlbaum, who has already been nominated for the Golden Globes 2025 for “SEPTEMBER 5,” reports on the challenges that arose during filming and the crew’s reflections on the moral questions that arise in such a crisis situation.

The ticket prices for the film screenings vary and are staggered as follows:

• Dienstag bis Donnerstag: 8,90 € (7,50 € ermäßigt)
• Freitag, Samstag, Sonntag- und Feiertage: 9,90 € (8,50 € ermäßigt)
• Montag Kinotag: 7 €
• Abenteuer Kinderkino am Sonntag: 5,50 €
• Dienstag- und Mittwochnachmittag: 15:30 + 16 Uhr-Vorstellungen: 7 €

For detailed information on the events reported duisburglive.de, while nd-aktuell.de offered additional insights into media reporting and the effects of the hostage-taking on journalistic practice.

– Submitted by West-East media