Krzysztof Kluzik

An unnamed village in the Podlasie region. The inhabitants lease out land which does not technically belong to them, but so far the operation has proceeded without problems. They keep to themselves, in seclusion, without interaction with the outside world. Then, suddenly, a nameless Stranger arrives. Given the situation of the village, none of the inhabitants know how to act, worried that the Strangers intentions might not be as harmless as promised. Krzysztof, the self-appointed Mayor and protector of the village, takes it upon himself to show the Stranger around, carefully avoiding the locals resistance. Together with a local driver, and his neighbour, a man who left the city for the country side, they silently circle the village, full of anxiety, not knowing the Strangers reason for being here...

The story of a Japanese diplomat, sometimes called the Schindler of Japan, and his life lading up to and after his decision to issue over 2,000 visas to Jewish refugees in Kaunas, Lithuania resulting in saving the lives of over 6,000 people. This is the story of a man who believed in doing all he could do for the benefit of his beloved Japan, including trying to keep her from becoming embroiled in a worldwide conflict he saw as inevitable. Along the way, he came face to face with the plight of the European Jews as they tried to escape the onslaught of the Nazi's and the rapidly advancing German army. Caught between the unbending policies of his country now bound by treaty with Nazi Germany and his awakening moral responsibilities, we follow his life from his early days in Manchuria to his eventual posting in Lithuania and his appointment with destiny which would forever brand him a hero.

Pati