New Film ‘September 5’ Recounts Munich Olympics Tragedy

MUNICH, Germany — The new film ‘September 5,’ directed by Tim Fehlbaum, dramatizes the horrific events of the 1972 Munich Olympics when members of the Black September Organization took 11 Israeli athletes hostage. The film is set against a backdrop of a young nation’s attempt to redefine itself in the wake of World War II and the Nazi regime.

The film’s narrative centers on the journalists of ABC Sports who, as events unfolded, grappled with the ethical implications of broadcasting a terrorist attack live. On September 5, 1972, two Armed militants from the Black September Organization entered the Olympic Village, initiating a hostage crisis that would lead to the deaths of all 11 hostages.

David Clay Large, a senior fellow at the Institute of European Studies at the University of California, Berkeley, commented on the brutal nature of the event, stating, ‘They first killed two athletes and then, in a botched rescue attempt, the remaining nine hostages were killed.’ As a result, this terrorist act would become a pivotal moment in media history, with millions watching the coverage live.

The filmmakers sought to elucidate the logistical struggles faced by the ABC team led by television executive Roone Arledge during the crisis. Arledge’s decision to broadcast live as events unfolded was unprecedented, illustrating a transformative moment in how audiences consumed news and experienced shock as it happened. ‘When I was a kid my father used to say, “Our greatest hopes and our worst fears are seldom realized.” Our worst fears have been realized tonight,’ sportscaster Jim McKay said during the broadcast, announcing that all hostages were dead.

The Black September Organization, a Palestinian militant group founded in 1970, sought to secure the release of over 300 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. As tensions escalated, the militants first murdered two Israeli athletes in cold blood, then took nine others hostage, setting off a tragic chain of events.

In an interview about the film, Tim Fehlbaum emphasized the journalistic elements, stating that ‘September 5’ not only recounts historical events but also questions how society consumes news during a crisis. As seen in the film, 900 million viewers tuned in to witness the unfolding tragedy, making it one of the most viewed broadcasts in television history.

The film’s characters, such as Geoffrey Mason (played by Jon Magaro) and Marvin Bader (portrayed by Ben Chaplin), represent real figures in the ABC Sports newsroom, highlighting their rapid decision-making during a tense and evolving situation. Mason, who was the head of the control room, recalled, ‘Every minute brought a new challenge.’ This portrayal underscores the dynamic between personal experience and professional responsibility amidst crisis.

The film sheds light on the cultural and political intricacies of post-World War II Germany, exploring how the Munich Olympics aimed to reshape the nation’s image. However, as seen through reporter Marianne Gebhardt, played by Leonie Benesch, the stark contrast of a peaceful event marred by violence reveals deeper societal tensions surrounding Germany’s historical legacy.

In a formal apology issued in 2022 by the German government, acknowledgment was made regarding the failure to provide adequate security for the athletes, a sentiment that resonated deeply for the victims’ families. This film strives to navigate those sentiments while also highlighting the critical role of media during moments of national tragedy.

‘September 5’ is not only a retelling of a pivotal historical moment, but also an exploration of ethical dilemmas that arise in journalism when personal and public interests collide. The film reinforces the significance of remembering the past and understanding its implications today.