Atlanta Jewish Film Festival: Theodor

Blending stirring music and striking visuals, this sweeping cinematic adaptation of the Hebrew-language Israeli Opera production captures the transformative journey of Theodor Herzl, visionary of modern Zionism. Set against the backdrop of European antisemitism, a dual timeline portrays a mid-age Herzl (Oded Reich) reflecting on the pivotal decisions of his younger self (Noam Heinz), exposing ideological battles, internal struggles, and the toll of his relentless mission to found a Jewish homeland. Filmed during Tel Aviv performances after the October 7 attacks, the emotional impact is further intensified as audiences are drawn closer to both the performers and Ido Ricklin’s evocative staging, intensified by Yonatan Cnaan’s rich musical score.