The Children of the Fighters

For the first time, the film documentary DIE KINDER DER KÄMPFER is dedicated to a little-noticed chapter of Austrian history from the perspective of the 2nd and 3rd generation: the Republikanischer Schutzbund. It was formed in 1923/24 as a counterweight to the Christian-social Heimwehr. From 12 to 14 February 1934, Social Democrats and Communists tried to defend the Republic against Austrofascism with weapons in their hands.

To mark the 90th anniversary of the February battles, DIE KINDER DER KÄMPFER not only visits the original sites, but also searches for the children and grandchildren of the now deceased fighters. This documentary film captures their memories and experiences – as a historical document for posterity. Scientists also have their say, assessing the events and their consequences.

To what extent do THE CHILDREN OF THE FIGHTERS characterise the events of February 1934 to this day? What does it mean to be a child of the Schutzbund? What can be learnt from the events themselves, but also from the perspectives and experiences for the future?

The film premiered on 12 February 2024. Further information: www.kinder-der-kaempfer.at. The film documentary has been approved by the Ministry of Education for secondary levels 1 and 2. Further information can be found on the EDUTHEK education server.

You can find the trailer for the film here

In German.

You can order the DVD or Blu-ray of the film (in German) here. Delivery is available to Austria, Germany and Switzerland by invoice and via Austrian Post. Delivery to all other countries is available via international transport services (DHL, UPS, TNT).