Big Sonia

Big Sonia (2016) is a vibrant and impactful documentary that tells the tale of Sonia Warshawski, a tiny 91-year-old woman with a powerful spirit and a larger-than-life personality. Cheerful, resilient, and candid, Sonia reveals her extraordinary life story in this award-winning film directed by Leah Warshawski and Todd Soliday. The documentary also features interviews with SuEllen Fried, a well-respected author and anti-bullying activist, and Caroline James Kennedy, a notable journalist and television personality.

Sonia is an iconic figure in the state of Kansas, widely known for her glass-ceiling-shattering business prowess in a man's world. Being one of the last remaining Holocaust survivors in their region, she takes on the task of educating upcoming generations about the horrors of the Holocaust, sharing her wrenching experiences during World War II, and keeping the memory alive, all while running her late husband's tailor shop in a weathered, failing shopping mall in suburban Kansas City.

As the film begins, we watch Sonia in her element, navigating her tailor shop packed with floral patterns and bright lipstick stains. Decked in leopard print and sparkling jewelry, Sonia radiates joie de vivre despite her painful past. It's clear that she has captured the hearts of the inhabitants of Kansas City, rendering them immune to her no-nonsense, tough-love style.

The filmmakers seamlessly weave Sonia's present-day life with the harrowing past she bravely recounts. Viewers hear of her heartbreaking time in concentration camps, experiences when she narrowly escaped death, and how she survived through courage and sheer determination. Despite these traumatic experiences, Sonia doesn't appear to harbour a trace of bitterness or resentment. Instead, she uses her past as a powerful tool for societal enrichment.

Sonia exhibits an admirable determination to educate young people about the Holocaust, visiting schools, prisons, and other institutions to share her story and the stories of the other six million Jews who were slaughtered during World War II. Her mission is not to propel people into the abyss of despair but to encourage empathy and tolerance to ensure that history does not repeat itself.

Big Sonia not only shines a light on the horrors of the past but also grapples with the challenges of everyday life. Sonia is hit with an eviction notice early in the film, which threatens both her independence and an essential outlet for her mission of remembrance. The dimly lit, underpopulated shopping mall she calls her second home is being demolished, upending her routine and lifestyle that she has staunchly maintained for decades.

The film flows effortlessly between the past and the present, reflecting the filmmakers' deft storytelling. Accompanied by archival footage and stunning animations, Sonia's accounts of her time in Nazi concentration camps become vivid and disquietingly real, juxtaposed starkly against her present life in Kansas City.

While the film predominantly focuses on Sonia's narrative, it also includes interviews with her customers, friends, and family members, revealing the profound impact she has on the people around her. Through the eyes of these individuals, we see the remarkable reach of her incredible spirit and its ability to inspire change. Her story encourages others to confront their own trauma, overcome adversity, and find strength in reminiscence.

Big Sonia both uplifts and educates, demonstrating the importance of facing history head-on no matter how painful, as ignoring the past creates a risk of repeating it. It’s a touching tribute to a remarkable woman who, despite experiencing unspeakable horrors, remains a spirited symbol of hope, resilience, and humanity.

In essence, the film underlines that the real power lies in the stories we share, the truths we acknowledge, and the lessons we urge others to remember. Striking a chord deep within, the film leaves viewers reflecting on the true essence of human strength, resilience, and the power of memory. Big Sonia proves - in a big way - that even the smallest person can leave the largest impact.