While the Hollywood machine continues cranking out the same tired superhero sludge, the indie world is doing what it does best—telling stories that actually matter. Sean McNamara’s latest film, Bau, Artist at War, just dropped a special trailer to honor Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), and it’s the kind of gut-punch we need right now. Starring Emile Hirsch (Into the Wild, Milk) and Inbar Lavi (Lucifer, Imposters), this historical drama digs into the real-life story of Joseph Bau, a Holocaust survivor who weaponized creativity to defy the horrors of Nazi concentration camps.
The trailer doesn’t just tease McNamara’s powerful storytelling—it also debuts the original theme song, “However Long Forever Is,” performed by indie music artist Ryn Kid. Written by Kid, Andrew Furze, and John Coda, the track layers a raw, emotional vibe over the already harrowing imagery. The film, distributed by indie champion ShowBiz Direct (alongside Republic Pictures), is set to hit theaters in the U.S. and Canada on September 26, 2025.
“Joseph Bau’s story reminds us that love, creativity, and courage can overcome even the worst darkness.”
In the words of McNamara, “Joseph Bau’s story reminds us that love, creativity, and courage can overcome even the worst darkness. It’s a message we all need—now more than ever. We must never forget.”
Based on Bau’s memoir, Bau, Artist at War charts his daring acts of forgery to help fellow prisoners survive, and his incredible love story with fellow inmate Rebecca (played by Lavi). It’s a real middle finger to the cruelty of history—and a reminder that art can literally save lives.
Backing up Hirsch and Lavi is a stacked cast, including Yan Tual (Outlander), Adam Tsekhman (Legends of Tomorrow), Josh Zuckerman (School Spirits), and a crew of solid indie regulars like Edward Foy, Chris Cope, Josh Blacker, Eugene Lipinski, Dalias Blake, Pam Kearns, and Tori Griffith.
Deborah Smerecnik, Oscar-winner Ron Bass (Rain Man), and Sonia Kifferstein penned the film, with McNamara pulling double duty as director and producer. It’s a full-throttle indie effort with a battalion of executive producers who clearly understand that telling a story like this means saying “hell no” to the Big Six studio system.
Want to get hit right in the feels? Check out the special trailer here: Watch it on Vimeo.
