The Polish Women

Description

Trailer

Synopsis

Rio de Janeiro, early 20th century. After a long journey from Poland, fleeing hunger and misery, Rebeca arrives in Rio de Janeiro with her seven-year-old son, Joseph. Eager to reunite with her husband, she immediately faces immigration difficulties. If not for Tzvi, a kind man she just met, she would have been sent back to Poland with nothing. Known by the immigration officer, Tzvi helps her with documentation, gives her his card, and says, “We Jews need to be united.”

Grateful, Rebeca takes the card and goes to meet her husband, only to learn from a neighbor, Anna, that he died a month ago. Soon after, the immigration officer arrives, informing her that, without a husband or legal status, she will be separated from Joseph and deported.

Desperate, she contacts Tzvi, who promises help and offers her a job. With no choice, she accepts. But upon arriving at his “store,” she realizes he has deceived her—he intends to force her into prostitution. She refuses, tries to escape with Joseph, but lacking money for passage back to Poland, she is forced to return to the brothel, unable to believe her fate.

Director

João Jardim is a Brazilian filmmaker and journalist known for his acclaimed documentaries and work in television. He co-directed Waste Land, which was nominated for an Academy Award and won awards at the Berlin and Sundance Film Festivals. His debut feature, Janela da Alma, won numerous national and international awards, and he has collaborated with notable Brazilian directors, including Walter Salles and Cacá Diegues.