Burning Off the Page
Screening Information
Film Details
Country | Canada | |
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Year | 2023 | |
Running Time | 83 MIN | |
Languages | English, Yiddish | |
Subtitles | English | |
Director | Eli Gorn |
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Description
This captivating documentary showcases the work and life of Celia Dropkin, writer of erotic poetry in Yiddish that both shocked and delighted readers in the 1920s and 30s. Combining interviews, animated interpretations of her poetry and excerpts from her diary—exquisitely performed by Gabrielle Rose—the film explores how Dropkin’s poetry shattered the conventions of gender, sexuality and morality, while writing about desire, passion and physical sensuality. As she serves as an inspiration to current musicians—such as Frank London of The Klezmatics—who have set her poetry to music, the film demonstrates why Celia Dropkin’s work is deserving of a revival.
“This creative documentary celebrates the work and life of Celia Dropkin, whose erotic poetry in Yiddish from nearly a century ago is experiencing a well-deserved revival.”
TJFF Programmer Allen Braude