Film Lens
The Rescuers is a documentary that focuses on the actions of 12 diplomats who saved tens of thousands of Jews during World War II, often at great personal risk. Directed by Michael W. King, the film features Stephanie Nyombayire, a Rwandan activist who lost 100 family members in the Rwandan Genocide, and historian Sir Martin Gilbert. They travel across 15 countries and three continents to interview survivors and descendants of these diplomats, examining the themes of kindness and ethical bravery in the face of peril.
The film combines archival footage with dramatic re-enactments, taking viewers from London to Paris and Jerusalem. It shows the stories of diplomats like Georg F. Duckwitz and Varian Fry, who defied their governments to save lives. The narrative also includes interviews with figures such as Lieutenant General Romeo Dallaire, who discusses the U.N.'s reluctance to intervene in the Rwandan Genocide, reflecting on the wider effects of humanitarian action in times of crisis.
Why Watch
- •Meet diplomat Georg F. Duckwitz in Copenhagen.
- •Find out about the largest rescue operation in Budapest.
- •See Stephanie Nyombayire's personal story of loss.
Did You Know
•12 diplomats saved tens of thousands of Jews during World War II.
•Stephanie Nyombayire lost 100 family members in the Rwandan Genocide.
•The largest diplomatic rescue operation in history occurred in Budapest.
•The film features interviews across 15 countries and three continents.
Perfect For
World War II historyDiplomatic rescue storiesHolocaust studies