JIFF: The Road to Hope

La route de l'espoir

"totally fascinating ... a gripping family saga" - David Stratton

World Premiere

Christophe Smith finds a buried secret in the papers of his late father, the noted journalist Sam White, a Jewish refugee who in 1922, at the age of just seven, arrived with his family to Melbourne after a two-year odyssey spanning three continents.

100 years later, Christophe Smith retraces this extraordinary journey, from Ukraine to Belgium, the Netherlands to Argentina, and from England to Australia. This globe-trotting documentary uncovers the incredible story of Smith’s family, the obstacles and dangers they faced along the way, and the incredible twist of fate that delivered them all to safety. Meanwhile, declassified MI5 files shine a light on the hidden life of Smith’s father.

An emotional tribute to the grandparents Christophe Smith never knew, and to the millions of men and women who have taken the road of hope in search of a better life for their families.

Rating

Unclassified 15+

Duration

90 min

Language

English, French, Ukrainian, Spanish, Russian

Cast

François Berléand

Director

Christophe Smith