ABOUT THE PROJECT

LOGLINE
Based on a true story, THE OPTIMIST follows Auschwitz survivor Herbert Heller and a troubled teen whose unlikely bond becomes a lifeline—opening the door to healing, hope, and the power of being truly seen.

SYNOPSIS
Based on the true story of Holocaust survivor Herbert Heller, THE OPTIMIST is a profoundly moving masterpiece about an unexpected friendship between an aging soul confronting his childhood and a troubled teen repressing her past. Herbert breaks six decades of silence around his miraculous escape from the Auschwitz-Birkenau death-march at age 15—and in doing so, forms a life-saving bond with Abby, forging a path of healing across generations.

When Herbert notices the scar on Abby’s neck, she challenges him: “I’ll tell you about my scar if you tell me about yours.” Through this pact of mutual vulnerability, a safe space opens for them to share their deepest truths. Abby becomes the first person Herbert entrusts with his wartime memories. In turn, Abby finds in Herbert a role model who embodies resilience and compassion, someone who does not flinch at the weight of her story. Together, they catalyze healing in each other—a process both tender and transformative. At its core, The Optimist asks: How do we confront the traumas we’ve buried to protect ourselves and others? What happens when someone finally bears witness? Can sharing our story save someone else’s life?

With over 40 film festival selections and 8 prestigious awards, the film has already made a powerful impact. As the number of Holocaust survivors declines, THE OPTIMIST offers a rare and urgent opportunity: to foster empathy, heal intergenerational trauma and preserve living testimony into new generations. THE OPTIMIST is more than a film—it’s a catalyst for remembrance, resilience, and connection. Bridging past and present, it sparks vital dialogue around mental health, shared trauma and the legacy of survival. This is a story the world needs now — and a unique movement that creates safe spaces for communities to engage in the kinds of conversations that can truly change lives.

PROJECT TYPE Narrative Feature

DIRECTOR Finn Taylor
SCREENWRITER Finn Taylor
PRODUCER Jeanine Thomas
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Todd Slater

WEBSITE theoptimistmovie.com

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