Uncle Chatzkel

Chatzkel Lemchen has lived through the Russian revolution, two world wars, the Holocaust, a communist regime and the transition of Lithuania from Soviet republic to an independent state. Much of his family and most of his fellow Jewish citizens were killed by the Nazis and their Lithuanian supporters. Chatzkel, however, survived through his skills as a linguist and lexicographer. His dictionaries helped preserve the local language during the Soviet era and he is now regarded as a national treasure. But his success belies his sometimes lonely existence. Years of isolation end when his Australian relatives arrive, including his great nephew, filmmaker Rod Freeman.

Audience Award, Washington Jewish Film Festival
Documentary Director Award,
New York Independent Film & Video Festival
Best Documentary, Sarasota Festival of Jewish Cinema