Warm, endearing and inspiring, Big Sonia proves that good things really do come in small packages. Sonia Warshawski, a diminutive Holocaust survivor with an extraordinary inner light, and the drive to transform her traumatic past into a source of hope and inspiration, has something to teach us all. Reaching across racial, religious and generational divides Sonia motivates herself and others to stand up, take action and make a difference. Directed by Sonia’s granddaughter, the film is both a portrait of an incredible, tough nonagenarian and a reflection on how the traumatic events of the Holocaust affect generations of family. The film will be followed by a discussion with filmmaker Leah Warshawski.
This program is made possible by AARP and by the Maine Humanities Council.
“Engaging and thoughtful, “ Hollywood Reporter Review
“…a documentary of special comfort.” Roger Ebert
film details
Documentary / Dir: Leah Warshawsky and Todd Soliday / USA 2016 / 93 min
festivals
Best Documentary, Barcelona International Film Festival; Best Heartland Documentary Kansas City Film Festival; Audience Awards:Napa Film Festival, Seattle Jewish Film Festival, Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival, Mendocino Film Festival, Berkshire Jewish Film Festival, Cleveland International Film Festival
