Surviving Malka Leifer

Documentary

Canadian premiere
June 7
2:00pm
In Person
Al Green Theatre
June 12
- June 14
Online
Online at TJFF Virtual Cinema
COUNTRY
Australia
Year
2025
Running Time
94 minutes
Language
s
English
,Hebrew
Subtitles
English
Director
Adam Kamien

This edge-of-your-seat documentary recounts the 15-year struggle of Melbourne sisters Dassi Erlich, Nicole Meyer, and Elly Sapper to bring former school principal Malka Leifer to justice after alleging sexual abuse in their ultra-Orthodox school. In 2008, Leifer fled to Israel with the help of the school board, triggering a long legal battle across two countries. Directed by Adam Kamien, the film follows the sisters as they confront secrecy, political interference, and legal obstacles while pursuing extradition and accountability. Through intimate access to the women, the documentary exposes institutional silence and denial, while highlighting the sisters’ extraordinary resilience as they transform personal trauma into a powerful fight for justice.

Please note that this film contains discussions of sexual violence.

Reviews

“A compelling tale of horror and bravery.” Screen Hub

“A true story of justice being valiantly pursued in the face of mountainous obstacles.” Flicks

Awards & Festivals
Human Rights Jury Award, Atlanta Jewish Film Festival 2026

Melbourne International Film Festival 2025

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