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US Premiere

Song of Songs

Directed by Eva Neymann

Ukraine | 75 minutes | 2015

Russian with English subtitles

Rooted in the Yiddish folklore of Sholem Aleichem’s short stories, Song of Songs is a delicately beautiful coming-of-age tale of a love torn between tradition and modernity. Growing up in an idyllic, but insular Hasidic community in a turn-of-the-century Ukrainian shtetl, the sprite-like young Shimek submits with endearing resignation to his traditional parents. His tenderness unshaken, he cultivates a friendship with a local girl, but their youthful affection for each other is restrained by the village's orthodox customs and their own innocence. This beguiling excursion into a world seemingly disappearing before our very eyes is immeasurably enhanced by the soundtrack, a collection of rare recordings by Jewish singers and musicians. Supported by the nuanced debut performances from its two leads, Song of Songs is a cinematic triumph, a lyrical depiction of youthful devotion in a time of great change.

Foreign Title Pesn Pesney
Director Eva Neymann
Countries of Production Ukraine
Year of Presentation 2015
Language(s) Russian with English subtitles
Premiere Status US Premiere
Runtime 75 minutes
Principal Cast Yevheniy Kogan, Vitalina Bibliv, Arina Postolova, Arsenity Semenov
Award(s)

Grand Jury Prize Winner at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival

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