The Price of Survival 2003
In *The Price of Survival (2003)*, legendary Dutch filmmaker Louis van Gasteren revisits a haunting chapter from his documentary past, weaving together personal grief and historical trauma.
Director: Louis van Gasteren
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Price of Survival (2003) about?
This documentary revisits a pivotal moment from 1970s filmmaking, where psychologist Jan Bastiaans used LSD therapy to help a Holocaust survivor confront his trauma. Decades later, the patient has passed, but his family's raw memories reveal how deeply the past continues to wound those who remain.
Who directed The Price of Survival?
Dutch filmmaker Louis van Gasteren helmed this evocative documentary, known for his sensitive and often introspective approach to historical and personal trauma.
Who stars in The Price of Survival?
The film centers on the family of a Holocaust survivor, featuring conversations with his widow and youngest son, alongside poignant excerpts from letters by his other children.
Is The Price of Survival (2003) worth watching?
As an unrated 56-minute documentary, it offers a deeply moving exploration of trauma and intergenerational pain. While not widely rated, its emotional depth and historical significance make it compelling for fans of thoughtful, reflective filmmaking.
How long is The Price of Survival?
The film runs for 56 minutes.
About The Price of Survival (2003) — A Documentary on Trauma and Resilience Beyond the War Years
In *The Price of Survival (2003)*, legendary Dutch filmmaker Louis van Gasteren revisits a haunting chapter from his documentary past, weaving together personal grief and historical trauma. Three decades after capturing a harrowing LSD therapy session with ex-concentration camp prisoner and psychologist Jan Bastiaans, van Gasteren returns to the story as the patient's family grapples with his lingering legacy. Through intimate conversations with the widow and youngest son, alongside heartbreaking letters from the surviving children, the film exposes how the horrors of war ripple through generations, leaving emotional scars that never fully heal.
This poignant, 56-minute documentary is more than a reflection on survival—it's a meditation on memory, loss, and the enduring weight of the past. Shot with quiet sensitivity, it balances stark historical weight with deeply human moments, offering viewers a rare glimpse into the long shadows cast by atrocity and the fragile resilience of those left behind.