Yiddish: A Tale of Survival

Yiddish: A Tale of Survival tells the story of Yiddish’s remarkable comeback after the Holocaust. The documentary film follows three devoted Yiddish artists: Shmuel Atzmon, who started Israel’s first Yiddish Repertory Theatre; Bryna Wasserman, who upholds the legacy of the Dora Wasserman Yiddish Theatre and founded Montreal’s International Yiddish Theatre Festival; and Milena Kartowsky, a dedicated advocate of Yiddish culture in Paris.

Before World War II, over 11 million Jews spoke Yiddish across Europe. The Holocaust devastated the language, leaving many to wonder if it could survive. Yet, this documentary shows how Yiddish has persisted through vibrant musical performances and the tireless efforts of its advocates worldwide.

Yiddish: A Tale of Survival celebrates the resilience of Yiddish and the individuals who are keeping it alive.

To schedule a screening, contact us at askabigail@me.com.

Completed in January 2013, the film has been showcased at:

  • McGill University, December 2012
  • IAYC Conference, Pittsburgh, March 2013
  • Mountain Lake PBS, starting May 22, 2013
  • New York City International Film Festival, June 2013
  • Aleph Kallah Conference, Rindge, NH, July 2013
  • Montreal World Film Festival, September 2013
  • Haverford Yiddish Culture Festival, October 2013

Media Highlights:

  • CBC’s “All in a Weekend,” August 31, 2013
  • Radio Shalom Montreal 1650 AM, Interview
  • Mountain Lake PBS, Interview, May 9, 2014