Syndrome K, the final film to be narrated by late actor Ray Liotta, gets an On Demand release on Aug. 16, and we have an exclusive clip to unveil from the documentary to go along with its release. The film delves into the compelling true story of a group of doctors risking their lives by creating a fictitious disease to help protect Jews from Occupying Nazis during the Holocaust. Our exclusive clip, which you can watch below, details the birth of "Syndrome K" in September 1943 with three doctors deciding to uphold their oath to preserve life, no matter what the cost might be.
Syndrome K is produced and directed by Stephen Edwards, and executive produced by Lannette Turicchi, Patrick Olson, and James Duda. It is written by Gregory Ballard with the directors of photography including Robert Duncan, Craig Smith, and Ilija Gavran. You can read an official synopsis of the movie below.
"Syndrome K" might be the only horrible disease in history that actually SAVED lives. That’s because it didn’t really exist. SYNDROME K tells the story of three courageous Roman Catholic doctors who saved Jews by convincing the Nazis that these Jews were infected with a highly contagious fake disease called "Syndrome K.” In 1943 the occupying Nazis invaded the Jewish Ghetto in Rome and started rounding up Jews. Many sought refuge nearby at Fatebenefratelli hospital. The doctors “quarantined” the “infected” Jews to protect them. Simultaneously, Allied forces under Gen. Mark Clark began the harrowing fight to liberate Rome from the south. Would the Allies be able to liberate Rome in time to save the Jews from certain death? Would the SS uncover the fake disease and deport the hospitalized Jews? The current footage included in this film is poignant. The archival footage is chilling. The combination is riveting.
Syndrome K Is a Story That Needs to Be Told
Speaking about the film, director Stephen Edwards said he wanted to tell the story of Syndrome K as he is particularly fond of documentaries about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Edwards was impressed by how the story of the three doctors featured in Syndrome K had gone untold for so many years and felt that it was time to celebrate their heroic acts. The filmmaker surmised that the trio of heroes had obviously not wanted the fanfare or attention associated with having their stories told, but after Edwards personally met with the creator of the fake disease and learned even more about the true story, he felt compelled to make the film.
"They did what they did without question and without pause," he said. "It took me some time to ascertain that Dr. Ossicini, the inventor of Syndrome K was alive, well into his 90s, and still living in Rome. I immediately booked a flight and interviewed him. He introduced me to colleagues and from there, I met several survivors. The more I learned, the more I affirmed that this was an astonishing story that needed to be told - and needed to be shared with (hopefully) a wide audience."
Syndrome K is available on demand on Aug. 16, 2022. You can check out the full trailer for Syndrome K below, and you can find out more information about the movie at the official website.