Bau: Artist at War, a Holocaust feature that stars Emile Hirsch as real-life artist Joseph Bau, has landed a theatrical release for early next year.
The historical drama film from director Sean McNamara (Reagan) is set to hit theaters Jan. 24, 2025, with distribution from Showbiz Direct and Republic Pictures. Rounding out the cast are Inbar Lavi, Yan Tual, Adam Tsekhman, Josh Zuckerman, Edward Foy, Chris Cope, Josh Blacker, Eugene Lipinski, Dalias Blake, Pam Kearns, & Tori Griffith.
Bau: Artist at War’s inspirational story centers on Holocaust survivor Bau (Hirsch), who relied on his creativity and wit while in concentration camps, and whose skills as a forger helped many to avoid the atrocities of those camps. During the course of the film, Bau finds enduring love with Rebecca (Lavi).
“So excited to share the Bau trailer with the world,” says McNamara of the video that is exclusive to The Hollywood Reporter and can be seen below. “This is a story that the world needs to see, to remind us of the power of hope in even the darkest times. It’s a powerful testament to resilience, and I can’t wait for everyone to experience it.”
McNamara directed the film from a script by Deborah Smerecnik, Ron Bass and Sonia Kifferstein that is based on Bau’s memoir. McNamara, Smerecnik, David Brookwell, Marc Griffith, & Michelle P. Griffith, serve as producers and Toni Farina as co-producer.
The trailer shows Hirsch doing what he can to remain optimistic while surrounded by tragedy. “There’s some things they can’t take from us: laughter, joy, our spirits,” he says in the movie as Bau.
Bau: Artist at War has had success on the festival circuit, having been named best feature film in numerous film festivals including Sunscreen Film Festival, The Burbank International Film Festival, Myrtle Beach International Film Festival, Tarzana International Film Festival and Coronado Island Film Festival.
