The Nazis have just invaded Poland. Nursing student Irena Gut is forced to work by the occupier. One day, a high-ranking Nazi officer notices her and decides to make her the new housekeeper of his vast country home. Apparently submissive, Irena has in reality become the protector of twelve Jewish people, whom she hides in the villa under the nose of her employer. The incredible but true story of this exceptional woman was entrusted to two Quebecers, the director Louise Archambault and the actress Sophie Nélisse, the directors of the film. Irena’s Vow (Irena’s Promise).
At the origin of the project was a play by Dan Gordon based on the life of Irena Gut (later Irene Gut Opdyke), a play from which the playwright later developed a screenplay. It should be noted that the main person concerned only revealed her act of bravery in 1975, motivated by a desire to cut the whistle on the deniers, and not by any desire for fame.
“It’s a co-production, and initially, they were looking for a European or American director, then they opened in Canada, and that’s how I was given the script,” explains Louise Archambault, director of Gabrielle And It was raining birds.
“When I read it, I couldn’t believe it. If it had been a fictional story, I would have refused the project because it seemed so huge. However, everything is true. I had a big crush on Irena: this Polish woman, caught in forced labor… she captivated me. His gesture of courage, of altruism, is so inspiring and brings hope. Especially since we were in the middle of a pandemic at the time, and hope was welcome. »
Same story with Sophie Nélisse, who, once she recovered from her amazement at the extraordinary nature of the story, developed a powerful bond with the character.
“What an extraordinary woman!” » the actress still pinches herself, revealed very small in Mr. Lazar.
“Despite the atrocities she experienced, she remained resilient and strong,” continues Sophie Nélisse. She continues to inspire me in my daily life. She had such openness, such empathy… I tell myself that, if we were all a little more like her, collectively, the world would be better off. This story deals with the Holocaust, but it has a very current resonance, it seems to me. »
To prepare, the actress did intense research. In doing so, she discovered how much hardship Irena Gut suffered before and during World War II.
“Since it’s a real person, a real heroine, I probably put more weight on my shoulders than if it had been a fictional character. It is certain that I wanted to honor him and live up to his exceptional career. And Irena still has relatives who are alive, including her daughter [Jeannie Smith] », notes the actress.
In this case, it was Louise Archambault who proposed the young Quebec star for the main role, while the producers were looking instead for an American actress. Already in several English-speaking films, Sophie Nélisse was at the time one of the young leading figures of the brand new series Yellowjacketsdestined to experience the immense success that we know.
In any case, it was a wise choice, the actress having been able to identify the unique character of Irena Gut. To note Sophie Nélisse about the latter:
“She has retained all her life, and we see it clearly in the photos of her, a light, a warmth, a joy of living… I wanted us to perceive that, even at the darkest point of the film. »
The other war
Obviously, a historical production of such magnitude required special logistics in terms of filming locations, costumes, all-out reconstruction… However, Louise Archambault did not have Hollywood conditions or means, far from it.
“We had 5 million, 29 days of filming, and barely three weeks of preparation beforehand, that’s it. That said, what helped a lot was that we were filming in Poland, in real locations. I had the chance to collaborate with a fabulous visual designer, who is also an architect… Same for the authentic costumes, which came from Vienna, Berlin, London… The actors put this on, and they are immediately inspired, obviously . »
During filming, Louise Archambault was also amazed to see how each and every member of the team had a story relating to the Second World War, linked to a father, a mother, an uncle or an aunt…
“Everyone was very invested; everyone wanted to tell this story. Besides, the Polish team made me think of the Quebec teams: a lot of rigor, but a lot of fun, and an infinite capacity to find solutions,” summarizes the filmmaker.
Seal of approval
The fact remains that shooting a film in Poland, at that precise moment, was not without risks. Indeed, shortly before the start of production, war broke out in Ukraine, a neighboring country.
In order to be authorized to work in Poland, Louise Archambault had to take out not one, but two insurance policies… “Not super reassuring,” she admits.
Concerned about the Russian invasion, the actor approached for the role of the Nazi boss withdrew at the eleventh hour. Hastily, we began to replace it. Scottish actor Dougray Scott was selected.
“Not only is Dougray super talented, but he was really touched by this story. He wanted to be part of it,” explains the director.
Award-winning detective series star CrimeDougray Scott is, for the account, the one who put production in touch with John Nelles, one of the best linguistic coaches (or “ dialect coach “) of the profession. Hence the quality of the accents.
So, for something, misfortune is good. Speaking of unexpected positive aspects: in the film, one of the couples hidden by Irena has a child during the plot, which generates quite intense suspense. Not only did this child survive, but he also saw the film.
“He was extremely touched by it. He continues to write to me,” confides Sophie Nélisse.
And Jeannie Smith, Irena Gut’s daughter, what did she think of this portrait of her mother? Watching the film, Louise Archambault relates that Ms. Smith simply declared: “She’s my mother. »
It’s hard to imagine a better seal of approval.
The film Irena’s Vow hits theaters on April 12.