JIFF: Irena's Vow

The Story

Australian Premiere

"Anchored by a brilliant performance from Sophie Nélisse, Irena's Vow is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity." - Film Inquiry

This is the remarkable true story of 19-year-old Polish nurse Irena Gut Opdyke and her unfathomable courage as she risked her own life to save a dozen Jewish workers in the basement of a Nazi officer's house.

Warsaw, 1939: when the Nazis invade Poland, Irena is forced to work in support of the German war effort, first in a factory before being assigned to run the home of a Nazi commandant. Despite being witness to unspeakable atrocities, Irena's spirit remains unbroken. She makes a silent vow to protect her Jewish factory colleagues from certain death, sheltering them under her boss’ nose. Over the course of two harrowing years, Irena's vow is tested as she musters all her determination, courage and wit to keep her friends safe.

Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival, Irena’s Vow is, at its heart, a story of simple moral clarity, grounded by a breakout performance from Sophie Nélisse as Irena.

Festivals and Awards
Winner - Audience Award, Panorama, Vancouver International Film Festival, 2023
Winner - Feature Film, Writers Guild of Canada, 2024

Rating

Unclassified 15+

Duration

121 min

Cast

Sophie Nélisse, Dougray Scott, Andrzej Seweryn

Director

Louise Archambault