Virginia Film Festival

This layered documentary delves into celebrated actor Theodore Bikel’s charismatic storytelling and masterful performances with a broader exploration of author Sholom Aleichem’s remarkable life and work. With their commitment to Yiddish culture and witty portrayals of humanity in artistic mediums, both artists share an indelible link that opens windows into pre-war and post-war Eastern European Jewish life, real and imagined. Bikel draws on Aleichem’s inventive spirit and uniquely contrary humor to invigorate his staunch activism in the civil rights movement and in union leadership, calling on the same charisma and verve that helped win him accolades for more than 150 on-screen roles and an Oscar nomination to help his fellow man. Discussion with director John Lollos and moderator Joel Rubin (U.Va.)

Supported by Congregation Beth Israel