The creators of a new film focusing on Holocaust survivors aim to raise awareness amid increasing instances of anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial.
This film, titled optimist, centers around Herbert, a Jewish survivor who has kept his experiences at Auschwitz secret from his family for years. He gradually opens up to Abby, a teenager grappling with her own past regarding her escape from the Nazis. Stephen Lang portrays Herbert.
The story is based on the life of Herbert Heller, a Holocaust survivor who dedicated much of his later years to educating young people about the atrocities faced by Jews during the Holocaust. He passed away in 2021.
This project, which producer Janine Thomas has been passionate about, took her over ten years to bring to fruition.
“When I first met Herbert back in 2014 and learned he had escaped Auschwitz at just 15, I bombarded him with questions,” Thomas explained. “He really seemed to enjoy sharing his story with those outside his family because he wanted to be the strong father figure for them and didn’t want them to feel pity. I think he appreciated our conversations.”
“He once invited me to speak at a school, and watching him inspire those students was eye-opening for me. I thought, ‘This definitely needs to be a movie.’
According to Thomas, Abby (played by Elsie Fisher) embodies the countless children and teenagers Herbert has touched over the years. The addition of her character aims to connect with a younger audience that might be skeptical about the Holocaust. Notably, a recent Economist/YouGov poll revealed that 20% of Americans aged 18 to 29 believe that “the Holocaust is a myth,” with another 30% expressing uncertainty.
“After watching this film, I don’t think anyone can claim, ‘This is false.’ That could make a significant difference. I believe it might even help combat anti-Semitism,” Thomas remarked. “What I particularly love is that this isn’t a divisive film. The Christian woman who helps Herbert during the war isn’t Jewish, and Abby also isn’t.”
The movie focuses on themes of love rather than fear, which Thomas finds appealing.
The title reflects Heller’s optimistic outlook on life.
“It’s astonishing,” she remarked about Heller’s narrative. “We truly need more stories like this that celebrate growth, change, and love.”
This film is currently unrated but is expected to be PG-13 due to its themes and some language.
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