Village of Idiots 1999
Distributed by National Film Board of Canada, 1123 Broadway, Suite 307, New York, NY 10010; 800-542-2164
Produced by Michael Scott and David Verrall; National Film Board of Canada
Directed by Eugene Fedorenko and Rose Newlove
VHS, color, 12 min.
Jr. High - Adult
Popular Culture
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Gerald Notaro, University Librarian, Nelson Poynter Memorial Library, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg CampusAcademy Award winning animators and co-directors Eugene Fedorenko and Rose Newlove use a technique of filmed paper cutouts to create Village of Idiots. The animated short is based on a Jewish/Yiddish folk tale adapted by John Lazarus. The story of confusion and remembrance resembles an idiot's Return of Martin Guerre. The elegant and monochromatic visuals and superb Dolby Surround sound recording are an artistic achievement. The inclusion of questions for younger viewers suggests they are a targeted audience. Though artistic, the telling is too slow, subtle, and sophisticated for most school-aged children. Village of Idiots would instead be a fine addition to public library collections.