Face Down: The Disappearance of Thomas Niedermayer

On December 27, 1973, Thomas Niedermayer, a German businessman, was kidnapped from his home in Belfast. His family spent the next seven years not knowing if he was alive or dead. In 1980, his body was recovered, but the trauma for his family was far from over. Fifty years on, FACE DOWN seeks to discover what really happened in Belfast all those years ago and highlights the devastating consequences of political violence.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 392 pages
Publication date: 16 October 2023
Publisher: New Island Books

On the night of December 27, 1973, a harrowing nightmare unfolded as German businessman Thomas Niedermayer was abducted from his home in Belfast, Ireland. Tragically, he would never be seen alive again by his friends or family, leaving behind a profound sense of mystery and despair. His wife, Ingeborg, and his daughters, Renate and Gabriele, endured a seven-year agonizing wait, uncertain if their loved one was alive or dead. In 1980, a breakthrough came when an IRA informant led police to recover Thomas's body. However, the trauma for the Niedermayer family was far from over. The discovery brought with it further devastating consequences that would impact them for years to come.

Over five decades later, the documentary film FACE DOWN sets out on a mission to uncover the truth behind the events that unfolded in Belfast during that tumultuous period. In its second, updated edition, this powerful story delves into the depths of one family's generational trauma, challenging any attempt to romanticize or downplay the devastating effects of political violence.

The film follows the Niedermayer family as they navigate the aftermath of Thomas's disappearance, grappling with the emotional toll it took on them. Ingeborg, Thomas's devoted wife, is left to pick up the pieces and care for their daughters, who were just children when their father was taken. The family's lives are forever altered, and they are forced to confront the harsh realities of a divided society and the ongoing conflict that plagues their homeland.

Through extensive research and interviews with key witnesses and participants, FACE DOWN sheds light on the complex web of events that led to Thomas's kidnapping and subsequent disappearance. The film uncovers the role of paramilitary groups, political factions, and the British government in the turmoil that engulfed Belfast during the Troubles. It also explores the impact of the conflict on the lives of ordinary people, who were caught in the crossfire and forced to endure unimaginable hardships.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is the personal journey of the Niedermayer family. Renate, one of Thomas's daughters, reflects on the trauma she experienced as a child and the ongoing struggles she faces as an adult. She shares her memories of her father, the fear and uncertainty she felt during the years of his disappearance, and the emotional toll it has taken on her family. Gabriele, the other daughter, also contributes her perspective, providing insights into the family's relationships and the challenges they faced as a result of the trauma.

FACE DOWN is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of truth. It serves as a reminder of the human cost of political violence and the importance of seeking justice and closure for those affected by such tragedies. The film offers a poignant reflection on the complexities of the past and the ongoing struggles for peace and reconciliation in Ireland.

In conclusion, FACE DOWN is a must-watch documentary for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of the past and the ongoing challenges facing societies divided by conflict. It is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of truth. Through the personal stories of the Niedermayer family and the broader context of the Troubles, the film offers a poignant reminder of the human cost of political violence and the importance of seeking justice and closure for those affected by such tragedies.

Weight: 426g
Dimension: 135 x 215 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781848408470