Film: The Story of Nils Kallin

Film

The Story of Nils Kallin

By Noelle Norman

Swedish-Canadian Holocaust survivor George Preger, known for his Raoul Wallenberg documentary, recently released another short film about decorated Second World War hero and Swedish diplomat Nils Kallin, who saved many lives in Japanese prison camps during World War II.

“This story is unique. We are not aware of any other diplomats in that warravaged country who saved lives by standing up to the Kempetai, the brutal Japanese secret police. Prisoners were routinely tortured, starved or executed; Nils stood up to the authorities to distribute medicines to gravely ill civilian and POW concentration camp inmates,” says Preger.

Swedish businessman Nils Kallin left Germany for Japan in 1932. He saw the direction the Nazi movement was taking and he refused to be a part of it. In Japan, he went about his business managing SKF, a Swedish bearing and lubricant systems manufacturer. He settled into Japanese life and learned the language, but a lingering sense of loneliness caused him to volunteer with the Swedish Embassy in the hopes of widening his social network. When Japan declared war on the US in 1941, many countries withdrew their diplomatic legations from Japan and neutral Sweden was asked by many to continue to represent them on the ground.

Kallin, by now vice-consul, volunteered to become acting ambassador for nine countries as well as the representative of the League of Nations. In that capacity he was tasked with inspecting the Japanese prison camps. The conditions he encountered were horrific and he quickly understood he needed to take action.

Says Preger: “Nils’s bravery nearly cost him his life. Under constant surveillance, he was twice interrogated by the Kempetai and survived an assassination attempt. Two of his close friends, one a British businessman and the other a Swiss friend, were tortured to death by the Kempetai. Through his actions, Nils was able to save many lives at a very dangerous time.”

After escaping Japan, Kallin eventually ended up in Canada where he founded the SCCC and served as its first chairman. He also became CEO of SKF Canada and Honorary Swedish Consul-General in Toronto.

“There are many stories from the Second World War that have never been published and are only now coming to light. This story has never been told to a wide audience. It is not for the faint of heart. Buckle in for the ride,” says Preger.

Nils Kallin with his camera. Photo courtesy Fred Kallin Nils Kallin. Photo courtesy Fred Kallin.

Nils together with his son Fred Kallin who is interviewed in the film. Photo courtesy Fred Kallin

How to watch: The film is being released in two parts, the first just released in late May of 2021. The second is due to be released in September. Available on YouTube free of charge. https://youtu.be/F6mh8EN9fzY