What They Found
What They Found is a 2025 television documentary film directed by Sam Mendes in his documentary directorial debut. It features footage and first-hand accounts of the 1945 liberation of Bergen-Belsen. It was aired on BBC Two on 7 April 2025. PremiseIn April 1945, Sergeants Mike Lewis and Bill Lawrie of the Army Film and Photographic Unit accompanied the 11th Armoured Division during the liberation of Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. The film features their footage and personal record of the events.[1] ProductionDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, director Sam Mendes was approached by producer Simon Chinn to direct a documentary about the Army Film and Photographic Unit. In addition to the footage shot by Sergeants Mike Lewis and Bill Lawrie at Bergen-Belsen, the film utilizes interviews conducted by Kay Gladstone, former director of the Imperial War Museum, with the men of the unit in the 1980s.[2] The film was officially announced on 12 February 2025, with Mendes directing for BBC Two.[3] ReleaseA trailer was released on 1 April 2025.[4] The film was aired on BBC Two on 7 April 2025.[5] ReceptionJack Seale of The Guardian gave the film four out of five stars, calling the footage "profoundly disturbing" and noting that it "could alter your whole world view".[6] References
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