At the age of 98, Sonia Warshawski is one of the last remaining Holocaust survivors in Kansas City (and likely in the country). Her huge personality (she is only 4’8” tall!) and joyful demeanor make it hard to believe she spent her teenage years subjected to the horrors of Nazi death and concentration camps. The movie “Big Sonia,” made by her granddaughter Leah Warshawski and Leah’s husband Todd Soliday, is a loving look at this colorful and fierce woman who runs her late husband’s tailor shop. Going to the shop each day is her raison d’etre. She’s beloved by all who know her, including each and every person who brings in a dress or a pair of pants for alterations. This endearing woman is known for her leopard print clothing and accessories, her high heels, her fresh cut flowers, her car and for her public presentations at schools and churches where she talks about what happened to her in the camps. Her determination, positivity, humor and kindness is contagious, and it’s easy to see how she gets the attention of even the most jaded. Lessons are always learned when Sonia’s in the room. The arc of the film is the story of Sonia’s shop, John’s Tailoring, which is the last shop standing in an otherwise empty mall. The possibility of having to close its doors and finally retire (she is 90 in the film) looms large. The movie is poignant, funny, sad, scary, inspiring and tremendously educational. It moves audiences everywhere to consider how we might avoid repeating the horrific mistakes of the past. It also artfully touches on issues such as elder rights, family communication, discrimination, inter-generational trauma, resilience and healing. Sonia is the ultimate survivor on so many levels.
There’s no way you won’t fall in love with this movie… and with her.
If you haven’t already watched it on PBS, at a film festival or movie theatre (or even if you have!) it’s time to check it out. Given what’s currently happening on the world’s stage, it’s more important than ever that we do not forget stories like Sonia’s. You can watch the movie on PBS, Amazon and Amazon Prime. You can also go to bigsonia[dot]com for much more information. Among other things, you’ll learn how you can purchase education packages for schools. Todd and Leah have put in a huge effort to make the movie a powerful and accessible learning tool.
I was extraordinarily lucky to be part of the film in my role as still photographer. I made images during the filming of “Big Sonia,” at film festivals, in her shop and in her garden. It was an honor to be present for so many screenings... when the film was consistently met with standing ovations, and Sonia became a super star. People couldn't get enough of her, on screen and off. It was as if touching her arm, embracing her, telling her how loved she was made each new fan feel connected to something much larger than themselves - and much more important. Like seeing and touching a piece of history. Leah and Todd's film is a special gift, and it was an opportunity of a lifetime to get to work with them. They are pictured below, on stage at the Napa Film Festival taking questions after a screening. I also snuck in a picture of Sonia and me at the premier in Kansas City. And speaking of KC, "Big Sonia" is now showing every Tuesday at 5:15 at the Glenwood Arts Theatre.
