Ninety-two-year-old Sonia Warshawski may look like an average Kansas City, Mo., woman on the outside, but the hardships and experiences that she endured greatly separate her from others. As a child, Sonia was taken from her hometown in Poland and moved to countless concentration camps (e.g. Auschwitz-Birkenau), where her family was tragically killed. Her story and legacy are documented in the heartwarming film “Big Sonia” —  produced and directed by her granddaughter, Leah Warshawski, a native St. Louisan who graduated from Clayton High School. 

Following Sonia through her early life during the Holocaust up to her current adult life, the documentary utilizes unique cartoon drawings and personal interviews of her children, grandchildren and Sonia herself.

The film has put Sonia in high demand at schools, religious gatherings, and more. She also has visited jails and correctional facilities where she has inspired many men and women with her incredible story and the impact she has made on so many people’s lives.

Sonia still lives in Kansas City, where she continues to work at her tailoring store. Being one of the very few Holocaust survivors still alive, she continues to speak and share her story with everyone around her.

In a series of questions, Leah Warshawski shares information and perspective about the making of the film.

What initially sparked your idea for the film?

We initially wanted to make a short film just about Sonia’s shop and all of the interesting people who come in for “their own redemption,’’ not specifically for tailoring. At that time, Sonia was 85 [in 2011], and we wanted to start filming while she was still in good health. As we explored family relationships on a deeper level … it became clear that we needed to make a feature instead of a short. And somewhere in the middle of filming, Sonia got an eviction notice, which provided a natural story arc for a longer film. The film took us seven years to make.

What is one of the most memorable experiences you have had with someone who viewed the film? 

Recently, a seventh grader told me, “I’ll never use the word ‘hate’ again.” And many people have told us that the film helps them recognize and get through their own trauma.

What was your overall goal that you hoped that this film would accomplish? 

The theme of “love over hate” has never been more timely and important and we’re honored to have the film as a tool for good.”

How/where can the general public see the film?

DVDs for home use are on our website, www.bigsonia.com/shop. It is also available on iTunes, Amazon and GooglePlay. We have an educational toolkit for schools at www.bigsonia.com. Community screening licenses are also available on our website.