Channel 4 Sets Stephen Fry-Led World War II Doc

Channel 4 and Stephen Fry have teamed up for Willem and Frieda: A Story of Resistance (w.t.), which centers on the titular activists during World War II.

The documentary tells the story of a group of misfits—including artist Willem Arondeus and cellist Frieda Belinfante, who lived openly gay lives in the Netherlands—who pulled off a daring act of sabotage as part of the Dutch resistance. Together, they forged identity papers for Jewish people, saving countless lives.

When the Nazis began to check the false paperwork against real files, Arondeus and Belinfante came up with a plan to blow up the Central Records Office without harming anyone. Arondeus was ultimately apprehended and killed by firing squad in 1943, while Belinfante managed to escape to California, where she became a celebrated musician.

Presented by Fry, Willem and Frieda: A Story of Resistance will use previously unseen archive material and interviews with those whose lives were inspired by the pair. In addition to the historical story, the documentary will explore Fry’s own experience, today’s struggles for gay rights and the power of individuals to affect change. It is a part of Channel 4’s Secret History strand.

From Atticus Films and Television, Willem and Frieda: A Story of Resistance will be produced and directed by John Hay, written by Rik Carmichael and executive produced by Julian Scott.

Fry said: “I confess that, before Rik Carmichael and John Hay sent me the fruits of their amazing research, I had never heard of Willem Arondeus or Frieda Belinfante—a pair whom I now regard as being authentic and remarkable heroes. Living their lives as openly gay in the 1930s was remarkable enough, but once the Nazis invaded their homeland of the Netherlands, they found in themselves a depth of courage and determination that is, across the years, still inspiring. It’s a question we often ask ourselves—how would I respond to the occupation of my country? Would I fight for freedom or duck down and keep out of trouble? I think the world needs to be reminded of Willem and Frieda, ordinary people who found extraordinary inner resources.”

Hay said: “It’s a privilege to be able to tell Willem Arondeus and Frieda Belinfante’s remarkable story through Stephen’s eyes and illuminate a shadowed past in a highly emotional feature documentary that will grip, hold and surprise an audience in equal measure.”

Shaminder Nahal, head of specialist factual commissioning, said: “This is such a compelling pairing of a fascinating and largely unknown story with the brilliant wit and insight of Stephen Fry. I hope this film goes some way in elevating the significance and awareness of Willem, Frieda and all of those who were a part of the extraordinary resistance against fascism in World War II.”