New Yiddish movie 'Shttl' is a cinematic triumph that rebuilds a lost Jewish world: review

New Yiddish Movie 'Shttl' Is a Cinematic Triumph Rebuilding a Lost Jewish World

Ady Walter stands out as one of the most daring Jewish directors in recent years. His latest film, Shttl, is an extraordinary achievement by any standard. Shot in 2021 in Ukraine during the height of COVID-19 restrictions and under the looming threat of a Russian invasion, the film was made entirely in Yiddish, in black and white, and designed to appear as a single continuous take.

Unique Filmmaking Approach

To create this immersive experience, Walter constructed a life-sized replica of a shtetl from scratch, including homes, a synagogue, and winding dirt roads. The film’s protagonist is played by Moshe Lobel, a newcomer who had never before held a leading role in a feature film.

“The story of the film was a Jewish ‘Apocalypse Now,’” Walter told Unpacked. “This was a crazy adventure in wild conditions. We even shot in swamps with mosquitoes in Ukraine. With Moshe, I never met him before he came, but we had conversations over the phone where I could trust he was right for it.”

Commitment to Authenticity

From the start, Walter was certain that Shttl had to be told in Yiddish. Despite the language choice limiting its commercial appeal, he prioritized authenticity above all.

“I don’t come from a Yiddish-speaking family,” Walter said. “But not doing it in Yiddish wasn’t an option. I wanted to make a film where people spoke Yiddish because it was their language at the time.”

The result is a powerful, authentic portrayal of a vanished Jewish world, brought vividly to life through Walter's bold vision and meticulous craftsmanship.

Author's Summary

Shttl is a bold, authentic cinematic accomplishment that revives a lost Jewish community through innovative storytelling, language fidelity, and an immersive single-take style.

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Unpacked Unpacked — 2025-10-31

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