Document 11: Racial Hygiene plus Q&A

The only dedicated international human rights documentary festival in Scotland returns for its eleventh outing with a host of exciting screenings, panels, workshops, music and events. Taking place at CCA from Fri 18 to Sun 20 October, this year's programme focuses on reflection and tension between the past and present.

Thinking of joining us for several events? Get yourself a Document 11 Festival Pass for the whole weekend for £20 (£10 unwaged) by visiting Box Office or calling 0141 352 4900. You can also pick up a Day Pass for £10 (£5 unwaged) for a day of your choice (weekend/day pass holders must still book in advance for screenings/events to be guaranteed a place).

As always, all events are free for asylum seekers and refugees.

It's well known that eugenics was one of the ideological pillars of Nazism. A lesser known fact is that this practice of “racial purification” began in the United States at the start of the 20th century and was also a popular concept among scientists in Europe. The science of “good birth” aims to create the perfect human being, and sets out to achieve this by preventing reproduction of those perceived as weak, sick, disabled or otherwise “degenerate”. The film switches deftly between the explanation of historians and the testimony of victims who continue to struggle for recognition of the harm they have suffered, which has been erased from the collective memory. From North Carolina to Sweden and Germany, Racial Hygiene reveals a terrifying journey into this quest for the “best of worlds” century.

A Q&A with Professor Glas Caley follows the film.