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Fiddler’s Journey to the Big Screen

  • United States of America (USA)
  • Documentary
  • 2022
  • 88 min.
  • Director(s): Daniel Raim
  • Producer(s): Daniel Raim, Sasha Berman

Synopsis

A captivating documentary that pays tribute to the iconic film “Fiddler on the Roof” which The New Yorker once hailed as “the most powerful movie musical ever made.” Narrated by Jeff Goldblum this engaging film chronicles director Norman Jewison’s quest to recreate the lost world of Jewish life in Tsarist Russia (present-day Ukraine) and re-envision the beloved stage hit as a wide-screen epic. Throughout the documentary, the film pays tribute to the late Topol’s unforgettable performance as Tevye, celebrating his lasting impact on the story.

Directed by Oscar-nominated documentarian Daniel Raim “Fiddler’s Journey” delves into the intricate creative process behind this cinematic masterpiece. The documentary features rare behind-the-scenes footage original storyboards and never-before-seen stills that reveal the challenges and triumphs encountered by Jewison and his team. The film boasts interviews with key figures including Jewison Topol (Tevye) composer John Williams production designer Robert F. Boyle film critic Kenneth Turan lyricist Sheldon Harnick and actresses Rosalind Harris Michele Marsh and Neva Small (Tevye’s daughters). Additionally the documentary highlights the late Harry Belafonte’s appearance in Jewison’s television directorial debut “Tonight with Belafonte,” drawing a connection between these two entertainment legends.

“Fiddler’s Journey to the Big Screen” is a must-watch for both “Fiddler on the Roof” enthusiasts and film aficionados as it whisks us away on a journey through time weaving together the vibrant tapestry of Jewish life in Tsarist Russia and its enduring impact on the world of cinema.

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Credits

Director(s)

Daniel Raim

Producer(s)

Daniel Raim, Sasha Berman

Co-Producer(s)

Michael Sragow

Executive Producer(s)

Matthew H. Bernstein

Editor

Daniel Raim

Original Music

Dave Lebolt

Original Language

English

Co-Writer

Daniel Raim, Michael Sragow

Narrator

Jeff Goldblum

Festival Highlights

  • WINNER

    Audience Award
    Australia Jewish Film Festival
    2022
  • WINNER

    Audience Award
    Berkshire International Film Festival
    2023

Budapest Jewish Film Festival, Hungary, 2022

Geneva Jewish Film Festival, Switzerland, 2022

UK Jewish Film Festival, UK, 2022

Bucharest Jewish Film Festival, Romania, 2022

Warsaw Jewish Film Festival, Poland, 2022

Australia Jewish Film Festival, Australia, 2022

Jerusalem International Film Festival, Israel, 2022

Galway Film Fleadh, Ireland, 2022

Zagreb Jewish Film Festival- Festival of Tolerance, Croatia, 2022

Documentary Edge International Film Festival, New Zealand, Official Selection, 2022

Krakow International Film Festival, Poland, Official Selection, 2022

Palm Springs International Film Festival, USA, Official Selection, 2022

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Reviews

  • "As wondrous, buoyant and heartwarming as the film it celebrates!"
    - Los Angeles Times