IRENA’S VOW, A Story of How a Woman Risked Her Life to Hide Jews from the Nazis, Comes to Theaters

Quiver Distribution announced today a partnership with Fathom Events for an exclusive nationwide cinema premiere of IRENA'S VOW, the incredible true story of Irena Gut Opdyke, a Polish Catholic nurse who - through extraordinary courage - risked her life to help hide Jews persecuted by Nazi Germany during WWII.

The film debuts on April 15^th and April 16^th in theaters across the country. Each screening will be accompanied by exclusive video footage featuring Jeannie Smith, Irena's real-life daughter, Roman Haller, the baby that was conceived and born in captivity, Dan Gordon, the incredible screenwriter and storyteller, Sophie Nélisse, the actress who portrays Irena, and the director herself - Louise Archambault.

Directed by Louise Archambault, and starring Sophie Nélisse ("Yellowjackets," 47 Meters Down: Uncaged), Dougray Scott (Mission: Impossible 2, "Batwoman"), Andrezej Seweryn (Schindler's List) and Maciek Nawrocki (Banksters), IRENA'S VOW is told through the eyes of strong-willed, 19-year-old Irena Gut Opdyke, and represents the triumphs of the human spirit in a time of devastating tragedy.

Irena is promoted to housekeeper in the home of a highly respected Nazi officer when she finds out that the Jewish ghetto is about to be liquidated. Determined to help Jewish workers, she decides to shelter them in the safest place she can think of - the basement of the German Major's house.

Over the next two years, Irena used her wit, humor, and courage to hide her friends until the end of the German occupation, concealing them amid countless Nazi parties, a blackmail scheme, and even the birth of a child. Her story is one of the most inspiring of our time. The film was written by Dan Gordon (Wyatt Earp, Passenger 57, The Hurricane), who also wrote the Broadway play of the same name which starred four-time Tony nominee, Tovah Feldshuh.

Recognition for Irena:

• The Israeli Holocaust Commission honored Irena as a Righteous Among the Nations; a title given to non-Jews who risked their lives by saving Jews during the Holocaust.
• Irena was presented with the Medal of Honor, Israel's highest tribute, in a ceremony at Jerusalem's Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial.
• The Vatican has also given Irena a special commendation.
• Irena's story is part of a permanent exhibit in the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C.
• In 2008 Irena was posthumously presented the Commanders Cross - the Polish Medal of Honor, given by the President and First Lady of Poland.
• In 2009 Irena was posthumously presented with the Courage to Care award by the Anti-Defamation League in a special ceremony in Washington DC.

Tickets and a list of participating theater locations are available at www.FathomEvents.com.

"IRENA'S VOW is such a powerful and moving story," said Ray Nutt, CEO of Fathom Events.  "We are not only proud of our partnership to show this film but also the ability to give audiences the added video piece with Irena's daughter, the star, the director and more.  It gives the film a deeper perspective and audiences will definitely find value in it."

"From the moment we read the script over seven years ago, we were determined to find a way to make IRENA'S VOW a reality.  Little did we know how much more important Irena's story would be today amid the massive increase in Jewish hatred and bigotry around the world, said Jeff Sackman and Berry Meyerowitz, co-Presidents, Quiver Distribution.  "Irena's story is a beacon for bringing our communities together to see goodness and humanity in action."

** Watch the official trailer here ** 

 

Tags : IRENA’S VOW IRENA’S VOW film IRENA’S VOW movie Jeannie Smith Irena Gut Opdyke