The Big Chief

The Big Chief serves as a compelling narrative delving into the tumultuous and intricate era in which our parents and grandparents navigated. It paints a vivid portrait of Leopold Trepper, a man thrust into the midst of adversity, compelled to make choices that, through the lens of contemporary understanding, defy easy judgment. The events in which he was involved in the 1970s are, on the one hand, a clear manifestation of human wickedness (anti-semitism), and, on the other, an extraordinary demonstration of solidarity (the committee for the release of Trepper). Striving to create the most cinematic, dramatically charged narrative possible, I refrained from a voice-over narration. However, I aim to guide the viewer through significant historical events by the way I edited the film, to show the stark reality and dangers that Trepper faced head-on. The Big Chief delves into the life of a man who navigated through tumultuous historical events that left an indelible mark on his journey and on the people who refused to remain indifferent.

— Tomasz Wolski