When Hitler invaded Poland in 1939, he started the most destructive war the world had ever seen. Millions of people from across Europe fled from the Nazis, many reached Bordeaux – and were trapped. Portugal was the only possible road to freedom, but its doors were closed for refugees. In June 1940, Aristides de Sousa Mendes, the Portuguese Consul in Bordeaux at the time, faced the major dilemma of his life…

In gripping testimonies, witnesses from different backgrounds tell of their dangerous journey to Bordeaux from where they hoped to continue their escape to safety. They remember Sousa Mendes’ anguish at what he was witnessing, how he decided to disobey the orders of his own government, and how he set to issue and sign visas for as many refugees as possible – in a race against time. These testimonies combine with expert statements, historical footage and documents from international archives to shed light on an outstanding chapter in WWII history and on a man whose courage helped save thousands of lives.

The Portuguese dictator Salazar did neither tolerate nor forgive his disobedient diplomat: Sousa Mendes was soon dismissed from his position and diplomatic career; his children were even forced to leave the country. From his descendants, we learn more about the man, about his outgoing, cheerful, music-loving personality. What remains to the people who were saved is a sense of gratitude and recognition of Sousa Mendes’ sacrifice.