The world remembers the daring rescue of hostages during the 1976 Entebbe crisis, but few know the story of Michel Cojot, a man whose actions were instrumental in the mission’s success. A new documentary, To Kill a Nazidirected by Penn State professor Boaz Dvir, brings Cojot’s extraordinary journey to light. Narrated by Jason Alexander, the film challenges long-held myths about the crisis and highlights Cojot’s pivotal role.
The documentary will premiere at the Dances With Films festival in Los Angeles on June 22, 2026, followed by an international premiere at the Croatian International film festival in Šibenik on July 26, 2026. Produced by Go2Films, the film features exclusive interviews with key figures, including Olivier Cojot-Goldberg, Entebbe hostage spokesperson Ilan Hartuv, and mission commander Rami Sherman.
The Man Behind the Mission
Michel Cojot’s life was marked by tragedy and a relentless pursuit of justice. As a child, he and his mother fled Nazi persecution, while his father, Joseph Goldberg, was murdered at Auschwitz by Gestapo Commander Klaus Barbie, known as the Butcher of Lyon. Years later, Cojot tracked Barbie to Bolivia, confronting him with a loaded pistol but ultimately hesitating to pull the trigger. This moment of hesitation would later prove significant.
Cojot’s chance at redemption came a year later when he and his 12-year-old son found themselves among the hostages on the hijacked Air France flight during the Entebbe crisis. His unique background and skills made him an invaluable asset to the rescue mission. Cojot’s actions during the crisis, including gathering critical intelligence and negotiating with the hijackers, were pivotal in the success of Operation Thunderbolt.
Debunking Myths and Rewriting History
The documentary challenges several myths surrounding the Entebbe crisis, particularly those related to the actions of Revolutionary Cells commander Wilfried Böse. Eyewitness accounts suggest that Böse actively turned his weapon away from the hostages and directed them to safety during the commando raid. This revelation adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, highlighting the moral ambiguities of the crisis.
Director Boaz Dvir emphasizes the importance of reexamining the Entebbe mission as the 50th anniversary approaches. To Kill a Nazi explores the fragile decisions made under extreme pressure and their lasting impact on history. The film also delves into the psychological and emotional journey of Michel Cojot, who found purpose in saving lives rather than taking them.
A Cinematic Journey Through History
To bring Cojot’s story to life, Dvir employed a unique approach, using simplistic and surrealistic animation to depict events for which there were no direct visual aids. This technique, inspired by films like Waltz with Bashirallows viewers to engage with the narrative on a deeper level, imagining the events as they unfold. The film also features archival footage and interviews with key figures, providing a comprehensive and nuanced portrayal of the crisis.
Hedva Goldschmidt, founder and CEO of Go2Films, describes the film as a gripping and deeply human story that explores memory, justice, and the lasting impact of history across generations. The documentary’s timely release coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Entebbe crisis, offering a fresh perspective on a pivotal moment in history.
As the world reflects on the legacy of the Entebbe hostage crisis, To Kill a Nazi shines a light on the unsung hero whose actions were instrumental in the mission’s success. Michel Cojot’s story is a testament to the power of redemption and the enduring impact of one man’s quest for justice.
