Etty: Hagai Levi's Cinematic Adaptation of Etty Hillesum

Etty – Hagai Levi's Series Premiering Soon

Etty by Hagai Levi · Arte · 6 episodes · starring Julia Windischbauer, Sebastian Koch, Leopold Witte, Gijs Naber, Claire Bender, Evgenia Dodina · co-produced by Arte France, SWR, RBB, Les Films du Poisson, Komplizen Serien, Topkapi Series, Quiddity Productions

Scheduled for release on May 6, 2026 (Parts 1 and 2) · Available on arte.tv starting May 13 · Arte airing on Thursdays, May 21 and 28 at 9 PM

A Six-Episode Film

Initially, Hagai Levi envisioned a singular three-hour film. However, Etty evolved into a six-episode narrative, which he still regards as a film segmented into parts. This format reflects his innovative approach to adapting the diaries of Etty Hillesum, a young Jewish woman who tragically lost her life in Auschwitz at the age of 29. The result is a unique cinematic experience.

Bringing the Past to the Present

Set in contemporary Amsterdam, the series features characters dressed in modern attire, surrounded by present-day architecture. The Nazi occupation is depicted as encroaching upon a city that resembles our own. Levi articulates this choice by emphasizing that the individuals living in Amsterdam during the 1940s were not part of a historical film; they experienced their own reality. This creative decision strips away the comfort of historical distance, making the events on screen feel immediate and relevant.

Etty and Julius Spier: A Foundational Encounter

The narrative centers on the pivotal relationship between Etty (Julia Windischbauer) and Julius Spier (Sebastian Koch), her therapist and eventual lover, who inspires her to maintain a journal. This passionate and imbalanced relationship catalyzes a profound transformation within Etty. As anti-Jewish laws intensify and the threat of Auschwitz looms closer, she persists in her writing. She ultimately volunteers for the transit camp of Westerbork to support those facing deportation.

A Performance Driven by Passion

Julia Windischbauer, who hails from a theatrical background, caught Hagai Levi's attention during a crowdfunding campaign for her own film. He recognized an essence of Etty in her from the moment she auditioned. To prepare for the role, Windischbauer dedicated four months to learning Dutch, resulting in a charismatic and compelling screen presence that anchors the series. Sebastian Koch, known for The Lives of Others, portrays Spier with the nuanced complexity the role demands. The supporting cast, including Leopold Witte, Gijs Naber, Claire Bender, and Evgenia Dodina, also delivers strong performances.

A Screening That Affirms the Adaptation's Fidelity

I attended a complete preview of the series, followed by a Q&A session with Hagai Levi. Among the audience was his French editor, who has published Etty Hillesum's diaries in France for over thirty years. She expressed her appreciation, stating that Levi had honored the original work. This moment underscored the faithfulness of the adaptation and the significance of entrusting such a profound narrative to a filmmaker.

The series has already premiered in Israel, where it garnered a significant audience.

An Exploration of Inner Resistance

Etty is not merely a Holocaust film in a commemorative sense; rather, it delves into the internal journey of a woman grappling with her thoughts, her writing, and her fight against hatred. Hagai Levi poses a universal question: how does one find the inner strength to resist losing oneself in the face of rising animosity?

Additional Listening

I dedicated an episode of Falafel Cinéma to Hagai Levi, discussing his career, his series, and the overarching themes present in his body of work. This episode serves as a complementary resource for understanding his artistic vision.

Release on May 6 · Available on arte.tv starting May 13 · Airing on May 21 and 28