This International Women’s Day (March 8th), in honor of the courageous women who changed history, Focus Features is proud to share this piece where Jessica Chastain celebrates the incredible story of Antonina Żabińska, whom she portrays in this month’s upcoming film THE ZOOKEEPER’S WIFE.
Antonina Żabińska was a working wife and mother who, along with her husband, became a hero by saving hundreds of Jews during World War II, providing a safe haven for them in her zoo. At a crucial time of sustaining and elevating women’s rights, we feel it is important to share her story to highlight the strength and bravery of women in history who stood up to injustice. So, let’s band together by taking bold action to help drive change for women through purposeful collaboration this International Women’s Day.
How Will You #BeBoldForChange like Antonina and so many others who have paved the way for women in history? Be inspired at: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/BeBold.
Two-time Academy Award nominee Jessica Chastain has emerged as one of the most sought-after actresses of her generation.
More about THE ZOOKEEPER’S WIFE:
Release Date: March 31, 2017
Story: 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 of “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 (Daniel Brühl of “Captain America: Civil War”). To fight back on their own terms, Antonina and Jan 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.
Director: Niki Caro (“North Country,” “Whale Rider,” “McFarland, USA”)
Writer: Angela Workman (“War Bride”), based on the nonfiction book by Diane Ackerman
Cast: Jessica Chastain, Johan Heldenbergh, Michael McElhatton, and Daniel Brühl
Running Time: 126 minutes
