Director Lars Kraume Aims to Educate Germans on the Brutality of the Herero and Nama Massacres

A new feature film, Measures of Men, seeks to confront one of the darkest chapters in Germany’s history – the first genocide of the 20th century – and raise awareness among Germans about the country’s brutal colonial legacy in Namibia. The movie, directed by Lars Kraume, tackles the mass killings of tens of thousands of indigenous Herero and Nama people following a rebellion against German colonial rule in what was then known as German South West Africa.

The genocide, carried out between 1904 and 1908, involved the systematic slaughter, starvation, and forced displacement of the Herero and Nama peoples, often regarded as the first act of genocide in the modern era. Yet, despite its historical significance, the tragic events remain largely unknown to the German public. As Kraume points out, “Germany has denied its colonial past for 120 years.” The film’s release aims to shine a light on these atrocities and confront the ignorance surrounding Germany’s colonial past, which is seldom discussed in schools or public discourse.

Measures of Men tells the story of Alexander Hoffmann, a young and idealistic ethnologist, portrayed by actor Leonard Scheicher, who begins to question the racial theories of the time. These theories, which were deeply embedded in colonialist ideologies, often used physical traits, such as skull sizes, to assert the supposed superiority of one race over another. Set against the brutal backdrop of colonial South West Africa, the film explores Hoffmann’s personal struggle and moral awakening in the face of horrific violence.

Filmed primarily in Namibia with the involvement of local talent and expertise, Kraume hopes that Measures of Men will spark a much-needed conversation in Germany about its colonial history. He believes that only by confronting this dark chapter can the country begin to reckon with the legacy of violence and exploitation that continues to affect Namibia today.

For many Germans, this brutal history remains largely unknown. Kraume, a filmmaker passionate about raising awareness of historical injustices, expressed his belief that most Germans are unaware of the extent of the atrocities committed during the colonial era. “It’s not even taught in schools,” Kraume said. With this film, he hopes to provide a platform for education and reflection on a genocidal past that has long been overlooked.