Judith Kerr: Hitler, The Tiger & Me is a poignant documentary that chronicles the extraordinary life of the acclaimed author and illustrator, Judith Kerr. This film is a fascinating exploration of Kerr's life, beginning with her childhood escape from Berlin on the eve of the Second World War, her subsequent life in Britain where she lived as a refugee, and her rise to fame as a beloved children's author. Throughout this personal history, the film brings powerful brilliant insights into the creative process which led to the creation of iconic books like "The Tiger Who Came to Tea" and "Mog the Forgetful Cat".

The documentary begins with Judith Kerr's childhood. Born into a bourgeois Jewish family in pre-war Berlin, Kerr's world was one filled with intellect and creativity, until Adolf Hitler came into power. Using Kerr's narration, skilfully interwoven with historical footage and readings from her semi-autobiographical novel "When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit", the film recounts the fear, tension and the eventual flight of the Kerr family from Nazi Germany, through Switzerland and France, to England. This journey is portrayed with striking candor and emotional depth, navigating through the themes of loss, courage and resilience, which left a lasting impact on Kerr's life and her work.

The film then proceeds to delve into her life in Britain, where she, her brother Michael and her parents, famed critic and writer Alfred Kerr and composer Julia Kerr, set up a new life. Despite the lack of knowledge of the English language and the tag of being refugees, the Kerrs saw Britain as a safe haven. Judith's adjustment to this new country, school, friends, and language, offers a compelling tale of adapting to a new culture and finding one's identity amidst all the chaos.

When the documentary moves into Judith Kerr's adult life, it tracks her evolution as an artist and a writer. It explores her time at the Central School of Art in London, her career as a scriptwriter for BBC’s television dramas, and her role as a wife to scriptwriter Nigel Kneale and mother to Matthew and Tacy.

The film presents the life-changing moment when Kerr, as a young mother, starts inventing bedtime stories for her children. Guided by the curiosity, humor, and innocence of her children, she created her first illustrated book "The Tiger Who Came to Tea". The film gives audiences an intimate understanding of how the now-iconic book came to be, including the real-life inspirations for the characters and how it paved the way for her successful career as an acclaimed children's author.

The film also provides a deep insight into Judith Kerr's writing process, through a detailed look at her studio and her routine. Viewers get to see the author's discipline and dedication to her craft, as well as her ability to view the world with a child-like sense of wonder, essential for her timeless, humorous and comforting tales.

Despite the film's many poignant moments, it also highlights Judith Kerr's wit, warmth and unyielding spirit, which not only defined her prolific literary career but also helped her overcome the dark shadow of her past. Complexities of her experiences are softened with moments of levity that offers viewers a multifaceted perspective of her personality.

Throughout the documentary, Judith recounts her experiences directly to the camera, a fact that adds an even deeper layer of intimacy and impact to her poignant stories. Here is a strong woman who has lived through times of extreme adversity and yet found the strength to weave memories of her life and imagination into endearing narratives that continue to enchant generations. The use of her personal photo archives, her stirring narration, animation sequences from her books, and recollections from family members, fellow writers, and friends, provides a rich and dynamic tapestry of her life.

Judith Kerr: Hitler, The Tiger & Me is a captivating, emotional, and inspiring look at an incredible life lived through tumultuous times. It's a film that showcases how Kerr's early experiences had a profound influence on her later work and how she gracefully transformed troubling times into timeless tales for children across the globe. A story about the human spirit, resilience, creativity and the healing power of storytelling, this film is a touching tribute to one of the world's most loved children's authors.