Village of Idiots

Village of Idiots

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Based on a Jewish folk tale adapted by playwright John Lazarus, this animated short tells the story of Shmendrik, a simpleton living in a small Polish village. Weary of daily life in his native Chelm, Shmendrik sets out on a quest for knowledge that brings him to a new Chelm, a place eerily reminiscent of his old Chelm. An amusing take on our tendency to romanticize what we don't have.

Special Jury Award 2000

Based on a Jewish folk tale adapted by playwright John Lazarus, this animated short tells the story of Shmendrik, a simpleton living in a small Polish village. Weary of daily life in his native Chelm, Shmendrik sets out on a quest for knowledge that brings him to a new Chelm, a place eerily reminiscent of his old Chelm. An amusing take on our tendency to romanticize what we don't have.

Albert Ohayon
From the playlist: Annecy Winners

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Village of Idiots, Eugene Fedorenko & Rose Newlove, provided by the National Film Board of Canada

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Credits
  • director
    Eugene Fedorenko
    Rose Newlove
  • animation
    Eugene Fedorenko
    Rose Newlove
  • writer
    John Lazarus
  • narrator
    Nicholas Rice
  • voice
    Hindy Nosek-Abelson
    Yank Azman
    Gloria Block
    Jack Newman
  • dialogue
    Jack Newman
  • voice recording
    Greg Shim
  • original music
    Normand Roger
  • musical arrangement
    Normand Roger
  • music performer
    Alain Cazes
    Denis Chartrand
    Michel Dupire
    Normand Roger
    Patrick Vetter
  • sound editing
    Jean-Baptiste Roger
  • foley
    Andy Malcolm
  • foley recording
    Tony Van den Akker
  • re-recording
    Serge Boivin
    Geoffrey Mitchell
  • post-production coordinator
    Éric Barbeau
  • program administrator
    Ed Barreveld
    Ida Di Fruscia
    Gisèle Guilbault
  • producer
    Michael Scott
    David Verrall
  • executive producer
    John Spotton
    John Taylor
    Dennis Murphy
    Gerry Flahive
    Barrie Angus McLean
    David Verrall

  • msnelson

    I played this short film for my grade six class, they enjoyed it!

    msnelson, 6 May 2022
  • None

    Excellent film. A flavour to the philosophical angst that expresses the culture so wonderfully. Ryan Neily of Halifax

    None, 21 Mar 2020
  • ssomjee

    I enjoyed watching it. Great art work, characters, good flow and tempo. The story was interesting in the sense that it could have many meanings like - all you need is a new perspective on your situation. The innocence of village life was captured well and gave it the beauty of a simple life. Well done.

    ssomjee, 16 Mar 2016

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