Written and Directed by Alexandra Zahav
Produced by Alexandra Zahav and Adam Rifkin
Starring Alexandra Zahav, Rick Zieff, and Susan Balboni
Navah Wassman, a perpetual innocent in her 30s, is guided into misadventures by a mysterious voice. Her journey connects her with the true story of a child who survived the Holocaust, but was killed soon after. As Navah learns that small acts of love have great power, and that she can bring healing to this boy's spirit, she begins to find her power.
Screening at JFilm Festival on May 9th in Pittsburgh. Coming soon to more festivals and to Jewish Broadcasting Service TV. Runtime: 23.5 minutes
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Director's Statement
I wanted to tell a story through the lens of hope. Hope for a better world, and hope for healing. I believe that a better world can be created through love, and through comedy and laughter, which can sometimes be profoundly healing. In this short film, the naive protagonist, Navah, learns that small acts of love ripple indefinitely, therefore powerfully.
I understand a bit about the need for healing — My two uncles, Robert and Paul, were murdered as children in Auschwitz. My two uncles are remembered by the descendants of their surviving relatives. But so many children who perished had no living relatives to remember them. I wanted to tell a story that honors the memory of all the children who had no one left to remember them.
In this project, I share the true story of Velvele, a real boy who had no surviving relatives when his life was also cut down. But there is a record of him and his struggles, and his love for his family.
A melody featured prominently in the piece (a melody which is now in the public domain), Ani Ma’amin, was composed by Rav Azriel David Fastag while imprisoned in a cattle car, on the way to Auschwitz. Two men escaped from that train, one of whom survived, and he brought the melody to New York. The Hebrew words are centuries old, and speak of hope for a better world.
The hope for a better world lies in every individual becoming awake to the light inside themselves. That is Navah’s story.
About Alexandra Zahav
I'm a writer, director, producer and SAG-AFTRA actor. I’ve judged the top screenwriting competitions, have coached screenwriters, and have facilitated Jewish spiritual dance workshops. I’ve spent the past decade focused on seeking knowledge and understanding of self, others, and the Universe, and chasing ever-elusive wisdom, in order to strive to become the best human and storyteller that I can be.
Having acted in theatre since age seven, I also have experience in directing theatre. I love creating with an ensemble, in a collaborative, joyful work environment of high standards, with professionals who share a passion for telling meaningful and uplifting stories.