Krátký film Labzik: Příběhy chytrého štěněte

Based on a Yiddish children’s book by Chaver Paver, the film follows the (un)fortunate adventures of Labzik, a clever mixed-breed dog, and the Jewish working-class family that took him in. The stories delicately balance on the edge of playful humor and raw realism. In them, Labzik and other Bronx residents face social and political challenges that remain relevant even today: unemployment, political protests, racism, police brutality, and even an airborne infectious disease.

The film’s visual style evokes the original pen-and-ink illustrations from the 1935 book. The characters and their stories are brought to life by a cast of students and professional voice actors, including the acclaimed Yiddish actor Shan Baker. The film is accompanied by original music by klezmer masters Michael Winograd and Jake Shulman-Ment. The accompanying songs feature Lisa Fishman and Mikhl Yashinsky (from the Off-Broadway production Fidler afn Dakh / Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish) and Lorin Sklamberga from the Grammy-winning klezmer band The Klezmatics.

The screening will be followed by an online discussion with director Yankel Krakowski.