Village of Idiots
““Outsiders call Chelm the village of idiots,” Shmendrick explains, “but our rabbi said we were a city of natural geniuses, with our own way of figuring things out.””
Synopsis
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.
Top Cast
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Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Rose Newlove, Eugene Fedorenko
- Screenplay & Story
- John Lazarus
- Original Title
- Village of Idiots
- Country of Origin
- Canada
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 12m
- Production Studios
- ONF | NFB
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Rose Newlove, Eugene Fedorenko
John Lazarus
Department Leadership Roster
Rose Newlove
Director
Eugene Fedorenko
Director
John Lazarus
Writer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Village of Idiots.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Village of Idiots
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Village of Idiots about?
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.
Who directed Village of Idiots?
Village of Idiots was directed by Rose Newlove, Eugene Fedorenko.
Who stars in Village of Idiots?
The principal cast of Village of Idiots includes Jack Newman, Nicholas Rice.
When was Village of Idiots released and how long is it?
Village of Idiots was released in 1999 with a total runtime of 12m.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Village of Idiots?
Village of Idiots holds official age classifications: CA: 14A.