Mr. Rakowski

Now 91 years old, the Polish-born Sam Rakowski had to face anti-Semitism starting at an early age. Pursued by the Nazis, he and his wife eventually ended up in Auschwitz-Birkenau. After surviving the horrors of the camps, they immigrated to the United States and had a son named Richie, now a successful 55-year-old businessman. Since the death of his wife, Sam has occupied a small house on Richie's estate. Despite their awkward relationship, Richie provides his father with the best possible care. Both men are traumatised, Sam because of the war and his first son's death, Richie on account of a childhood marked by his detached and sometimes aggressive father. Separate interviews reveal how serious the lack of communication between the two is, and how badly Richie wants to understand his father. As a result, he goes through an arduous process in an attempt to redefine his view of his father. Ultimately, it might just be possible to bridge the apparently unbridgeable gap. (International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam)