Emile Hirsch’s Holocaust Drama ‘Bau: Artist at War’ Gets Early 2025 Release and Trailer (Exclusive)

Bau: Artist at War, a Holocaust feature that stars Emile Hirsch as real-life artist Joseph Bau, has landed a theatrical release for early next year.

The historical drama film from director Sean McNamara (Reagan) is set to hit theaters Jan. 24, 2025, with distribution from Showbiz Direct and Republic Pictures. Rounding out the cast are Inbar Lavi, Josh Zuckerman, Brittany Mitchell, Adam Tsekhman, Eugene Lipinski, Michael Benyaer and Josh Blacker.

Bau: Artist at Work’s inspirational story centers on Holocaust survivor Bau (Hirsch), who relied on his creativity and wit while in concentration camps, and whose skills as a forger helped many to avoid the atrocities of those camps. During the course of the film, Bau finds enduring love with Rebecca (Lavi).

“So excited to share the Bau trailer with the world,” says McNamara of the video that is exclusive to The Hollywood Reporter and can be seen below. “This is a story that the world needs to see, to remind us of the power of hope in even the darkest times. It’s a powerful testament to resilience, and I can’t wait for everyone to experience it.”

McNamara directed the film from a script by Deborah Smerecnik, Ron Bass and Sonia Kifferstein that is based on Bau’s memoir. McNamara, Smerecnik, David Brookwell, Marc Griffith and Michelle P. Griffith serve as producers.

The trailer shows Hirsch doing what he can to remain optimistic while surrounded by tragedy. “There’s some things they can’t take from us: laughter, joy, our spirits,” he says in the movie as Bau.

Bau: Artist at War has had success on the festival circuit, having been named best picture at the Sunscreen Film Festival, Myrtle Beach Film Festival and Tarzana International Film Festival.

McNamara is known for helming such features as Reagan, The Miracle Season and Soul Surfer. Hirsch’s previous credits include Milk, Lone Survivor and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.