In 1933, Fred Stein is forced to flee from the Nazi menace in Germany. In Paris he finds himself in a vibrant émigré community. He learns photography to support himself. But in one of those twists of fate, it seems made for him; the camera opens up a new world. He explores the streets of Paris, seeing everything with new eyes. He captures moments of remarkable spontaneity and connection. The photographs are beautiful, and timeless.

Then war is declared between France and Germany, and he is imprisoned in an internment camp. As the German army advances, he manages to escape, and steals across the war-torn countryside, hiding in fields and farmhouses, until he reaches Marseilles. There, after a difficult and dangerous wait, he manages to get on one of the last boats to leave France.

In New York, he continues his photography. Despite the persecution he underwent, his photographs radiate tolerance, hope and joy. Several montages of photographs are woven through the film; these are the heart of the film; Fred Stein's vision. The most famous photo is a portrait of Albert Einstein, which was the product of a humorous encounter.

He died young, and his name was forgotten; but his son embarks on a journey to rescue his name from obscurity, so that his photographs will live on. It is an incredible body of work, and an inspiring life.