On the 75th International Holocaust Memorial Day, BBC Two will air a special one-off 90 minute film depicting the remarkable true story of how young survivors of the genocide came to England and began to rebuild their lives after the devastating tragedy of World War II.
Based on the powerful first-person testimony of survivors who began their new lives in the UK, the film, titled The Windermere Children, will shed light on the little-known story of 300 young orphaned Jewish refugees who arrived in the Lake District in the summer of 1945.
Actors Marek Wroblewski, Kaceper Šwiętek, Kuba Sprenger, Pascal Fischer and Jakub Jankiewicz play the role of the young survivors Sam Laskier, Chaim “Harry” Olmer, Ike Alterman, Ben Helfgott and Salek Falinower respectively.
The cast also includes actress Romola Garai as Marie Paneth, Thomas Kretschmann as Oscar Friedmann and Notting Hill actor Tim McInnerny as Leonard Montefiore.
Here’s all you need to know about The Windermere Children.
When is The Windermere Children on TV?
The Windermere Children airs on BBC Two on Monday 27 January at 9pm.
What is The Windermere Children about?
Based on a true story about hope in the aftermath of the Holocaust, The Windermere Children tells the story of a group of young survivors who arrive in England with nothing but the clothes on their backs and a few treasured possessions.
As they settle into their new home at the Calgarth Estate by Lake Windermere, child psychologist Oscar Friedmann and his team of counsellors – including art therapist Marie Paneth, philanthropist Leonard Montefiore and sports coach Jock Lawrence – are tasked with helping the children reclaim their lives.
Over time, the children begin to heal, but they are still haunted by their nightmares as they yearn for news of their loved ones. But when the Red Cross arrives with letters about the fates of their families, none of them receive good news.
However, in the absence of relatives, the children find family in each other.
Who stars in The Windermere Children?
Thomas Kretschmann as Oscar Friedmann
What else has he been in?
Dracula, Valkyrie, The Pianist and 24 are just a few of the TV shows and films the German actor has featured in during his career so far.
Romola Garai as Marie Paneth
What else has she been in?
Garai has featured in various TV series including The Hour, Born To Kill and The Minaturist.
Iain Glen as Jock Lawrence
What else has he been in?
Viewers will recognise Glen from his role as Jorah Mormont in Game of Thrones. He has also played roles in Mrs Wilson, Delicious, Breathless, Downton Abbey, Spooks and Doctor Who.
Tim McInnerny as Leonard Montefiore
What else has he been in?
McInnerny has most recently featured in the BBC One drama, The Trial of Christine Keeler as Redmayne. However, his other acting credits include roles in Game of Thrones, Notting Hill, New Tricks, Spooks, and Blackadder.
Marek Wroblewski as Sam Laskier
What else has he been in?
Before starring in The Windermere Children, Wroblewski had roles in Holby City and Ransom.
Kaceper Šwiętek as Chaim ‘Harry’ Olmer
What else has he been in?
The Windermere Children is Šwiętek’s first acting role.
Kuba Sprenger as Ike Alterman
What else has he been in?
The Windermere Children is also Sprenger’s first acting role.
Pascal Fischer as Ben Helfgott
What else has he been in?
Fischer has starred in 1983, Ojciec Mateusz and Motyw before playing the role of Ben Helfgott.
Jakub Jankiewicz as Salek Falinower
What else has he been in?
Jankiewicz starred as Antek Szefler in the Polish soap opera M jak milosc before landing the role in The Windermere Children. His other acting credits include a range of Polish TV shows.
