The Jews who were deported to the Czech ghetto camp Terezin in 1943 were the intellectual and artistic elite of Europe. Even in the camp, many are convinced that what has happened to them is simply a terrible misunderstanding.

However, when the Nazis "beautify" the camp in preparation for a visit from the Red Cross (which is completely duped by the sham with which it is presented), the camp inmates are forced to face the reality: they probably will not survive the war.

They react by telling the real truth through art and music—
and by finally discovering the humanity in each other,
and in themselves.