Welcome to Yiddishland

US Premiere

Welcome to the story of the revival of the Yiddish language, one that follows artists from around the world across numerous disciplines as they reignite the use of the 'mother tongue' in music, theatre, opera, and literature in this upbeat, witty, and timely film. From behind-the-scenes with an acclaimed Yiddish-language version of Yentl, to enjoyably transgressive punk-Klezmer musicians, and Barrie Kosky’s latest trailblazing production in Berlin—the endangered Yiddish language is alive and well in this rousing documentary. The language originated amongst the Jewish community in Eastern Europe, but almost disappeared when more than half of the world’s Yiddish speakers were murdered during the Holocaust. Most of the artists and performers (aka Yiddishists) in the film didn’t grow up speaking Yiddish, but all have found solace, identity, and inspiration in its rich traditions and culture. Welcome to Yiddishland offers audiences a positive, nuanced, empowered, and inclusive depiction of "Jewishness."