Focus Features
The Zookeeper's Wife
The real-life story of one working wife and mother who became a hero to hundreds during World War II.
In 1939 Poland, Antonina Żabińska (portrayed by two-time Academy Award nominee Jessica Chastain) and her husband, Dr. Jan Żabiński (Johan Heldenbergh, a European Film Award nominee for the Academy Award-nominated The Broken Circle Breakdown ), have the Warsaw Zoo flourishing under his stewardship and her care.
When their country is invaded by the Germans, Jan and Antonina are stunned and forced to report to the Reich's newly appointed chief zoologist, Lutz Heck (Golden Globe Award nominee Daniel Brühl of Captain America: Civil War).
To fight back on their own terms, the Żabińskis covertly begin working with the Resistance and put into action plans to save lives out of what has become the Warsaw Ghetto, with Antonina putting herself and even her children at great risk.
Featurette: "Meet Antonina Żabińska"
Clip: "Jan's Plan"
Clip: "Stay Safe"
Clip: "What's In Their Hearts"
Niki Caro and Jessica Chastain Talk with The Huffington Post
Director Niki Caro Spends Time with Hitfix
Director Niki Caro Opens Up to the LA Times
Time Looks into The Zookeeper's Wife
CNN Talks with Moshe Tirosh - a Child Protected by the Żabińskis
Jessica Chastain and Niki Caro Speak with NPR
“There are many ways that someone can be brave and strong. I think that Antonina shows that compassion is an incredible form of strength.”
Diane Ackerman with The Huffington Post
@dearphotograph
Dear Warsaw, On the other side of these walls is where Jan & Antonina Żabiński saved hundreds of lives during WWII. They would sneak them out of the Ghetto to the Warsaw Zoo, where eventually they would find a safe haven for them to start a new life.-Taylor *@thezookeeperswife is in theatres March 31st 2017. To view the trailer and learn more about this incredible story visit the link in our bio. #DearPhotograph #TheZookeepersWife@iddophoto
Was very fortunate to take part in this compassionate and sensitive telling of bravery and survival. The @thezookeeperswife opens today.@jessicachastain
So much fun with this crew
on @latelateshow last night with @lisakudrow and @victoriabeckham #thezookeeperswife
@jessicachastain
repost from @holocaustmuseumThe Germans devastated the Warsaw Zoo during their invasion of Poland in 1939. The #zoo, which flourished under Antonina and Jan Zabinski, was no longer a sanctuary for its animals. But soon it was the only lifeline for hundreds of people escaping the hands of the Nazis. With empty cages to spare, the couple smuggled in Jews from the #Warsaw Ghetto and hid them among the few remaining animals. Husband and wife played different roles in fighting the Nazis. Jan worked tirelessly with the Polish resistance, burying ammunition in the elephant enclosure and stashing explosives in the zoo’s animal hospital. Antonina cared for the zoo’s inhabitants––both human and animal. She sought to help her “visitors” thrive in hiding, encouraging them through play, music, and interaction with animals. “She redefines what it means to be a hero. Antonina’s representation of a hero uses love and compassion as a weapon against hate.”– Jessica Chastain, on her role as Antonina Zabinska in the film of the Zookeeper’s Wife, March 2017. To watch a discussion panel at USHMM with @jessicachastain click the link in our bio#ZookeepersWife #USHMM #NeverAgainJessica visits the Today Show
The Zookeeper's Wife Premieres in Poland
Jessica Chastain as Antonina Żabińska
Jessica and Johan visit the Zabinski's home.
Jessica Instas from the Zookeeper's Wife premiere in Warsaw.
Day 13 | 10.12.15
“Jessica carries this elegance with her, reminding me of an actress from the 1930s or 1940s. Sometimes I would get transfixed by how perfectly she inhabited the period.”
Niki Caro, Director
Daniel Brühl as Lutz Heck
Day 14 | 10.13.15
“Daniel is an actor of great charm who transmits intelligence on-screen in a way that is mesmerizing. But he could also show the menace that Heck was capable of.””
Day 15 | 10.14.15
Johan Heldenbergh as Jan Żabiński
Day 18 | 10.17.15
Day 20 | 10.20.15
“Johan is dynamic, and can express so much with just a look. He is soulful.”
Day 30 | 11.02.15
Day 33 | 11.05.15
Day 37 | 11.11.15
Michael McElhatton as Jerzyk
Day 40 | 11.16.15
Day 42 | 11.19.15
Day 45 | 11.23.15
Iddo Goldberg as Maurycy Fraenkel
Day 48 | 11.26.15
11.27.16
Efrat Dor as Magda Gross