New Yiddish Movie “Shttl” Recreates a Vanished Jewish World
Ady Walter has emerged as one of the boldest Jewish filmmakers of recent years. His film “Shttl” is a daring artistic achievement filmed entirely in Yiddish, in black and white, and in a single continuous take.
Production took place in Ukraine in 2021, amid strict COVID-19 restrictions and the threat of a Russian invasion. To realize his vision, Walter built a full-scale reconstruction of a traditional shtetl, complete with homes, dirt roads, and a synagogue, making the set a living recreation of a lost world.
The film stars Moshe Lobel, a newcomer in his first leading role. Walter chose him for his authenticity and deep connection to the story. The shoot itself was physically demanding, involving outdoor scenes in swampy, mosquito-filled conditions.
“The story of the film was a Jewish ‘Apocalypse Now,’” Walter told Unpacked. “This was a crazy adventure in wild conditions. We even shot in swamps with mosquitoes in Ukraine.”
“I don’t come from a Yiddish-speaking family,” Walter explained. “But not doing it in Yiddish wasn’t an option. I wanted to make a film where people spoke Yiddish because it was their language at the time.”
Authenticity and Artistic Courage
Walter’s unwavering commitment to linguistic and cultural authenticity defines “Shttl.” Despite the commercial risks of making a Yiddish-only production, he prioritized fidelity to history and atmosphere over accessibility.
A Vision Rebuilt from the Ground Up
More than a film, “Shttl” stands as a cinematic reconstruction of Jewish life before its destruction, blending technical precision with emotional depth. The single-take format reinforces the immersive experience, creating an unbroken glimpse into a vanished world.
Author’s summary: “Shttl” by Ady Walter is a visually striking Yiddish-language film that rebuilds a lost Jewish world with rare precision and artistic courage.
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