Irena Gut Opdyke (Sophie Nélisse, Yellowjackets, The Book Thief) is a 19-year-old nursing student in Nazi occupied Poland recruited to work as a housekeeper for a powerful Nazi officer (Dougray Scott, My Week With Marilyn, Hemlock Grove). When she learns that her town’s Jewish ghetto is about to be liquidated, she decides to shelter a group of Jews in the safest place she can think of: the basement of the Nazi officer’s home. Over the next two years, through wit, humor, and cunning, Irena conceals her new Jewish friends until the end of the occupation. A full-length feature, Irena’s Vow, is based on a true story.
Followed by a live conversation with Director Louise Archambault and Jeannie Opdyke Smith (daughter of Irena Gut Opdyke) on Zoom, moderated in person by BJF Artistic Director Lisa Gossels.
For information on these and other festival guests, click here.