Big Sonia
Directed by Leah Warshawski and Todd Soliday
US, 2017, 93 min, in English
In the last store in a defunct shopping mall, 91-year-old Sonia Warshawski—great-grandmother, businesswoman, and Holocaust survivor—runs the tailor shop she’s owned for more than thirty years. But when she’s served an eviction notice, the specter of retirement prompts Sonia to revisit her harrowing past as a refugee and witness to genocide. A poignant story of generational trauma and healing, BIG SONIA also offers a laugh-out-loud-funny portrait of the power of love to triumph over bigotry, and the power of truth-telling to heal us all.
Press
La TimesA tenderly rendered inspirational piece about the healing power of forging human connections..
New York TimesPoignant.
Boston GlobeA funny. moving tribute to a great soul.
Seattle TimesFilmed with great respect and palpable love for its subject
Rogerebert.comA documentary of special comfort.
Santa Fe New MexicanShe has fundamentally altered their perspectives on what it means to be free.
Pittsburgh MagazineSonia's spirit leaps off the screen.
Pittsburgh City PaperAn affecting portrait of one woman's lifelong struggle to come to terms with her survival.
The StrangerThe kind of documentary that goes for your soul.
Reel TalkerA remarkable story of a remarkable woman.
Hammer To NailNot just another holocaust movie.
Cinema 365This is a movie that can change your life.
The Hollywood ReporterEngaging and thoughtful.
La WeeklyA visual reminder of time's arrow and other, more important losses..
Movie Blogger.comShe is the best example we could have for keeping history alive and spreading love and goodness.
Butler's Cinema SceneAn impressive testament to love and loss.
Kshb - Kansas CityIt's a testament to the human spirit, showing how one can face unspeakable hate with love.
Fox 4 CPowerful.
Film Journal InternationalIt's brilliant.
Easy Reader NewsDo not let the trauma of the past define you, use what you have and what you know to make yourself stronger .
The VillagerPoignant.
Village VoiceA holocaust survivor shares her life story.
Film ForwardThis film quietly and assuredly calls upon viewers to cherish and acknowledge those willing to speak out about that time in history. BIG SONIA is an inspiring recollection of bravery in the face of unimaginable suffering..
Red Carpet CrashShe is the best example we could have for keeping history alive and spreading love and goodness.
Movie Nationa moving, engaging documentary.
Eye For FilmBig Sonia is a film about history, how we carry it with us and why it matters.
Village ShalomOffers a look into how someone can experience such trepidation and come out on the other side..
Grandma's BriefsA loving and often funny tribute to an inspirational woman who changes lives by living hers to the fullest.