PHILADELPHIA PREMIERE - HOW TO RE-ESTABLISH A VODKA EMPIRE

Director: Dan Edelstyn

United Kingdom, 2012, 75 minutes
 

London filmmaker Dan Edelstyn takes us on a whimsical journey through his Jewish family’s Ukrainian past and his efforts to be part of the Ukrainian future. While attempting to connect with his Jewish roots, Edelstyn retraces the extraordinary history of his charismatic grandmother, only to discover the struggling vodka distillery to which he is heir. In a burst of foolish optimism, he resolves to revive the distillery and revitalize the fortunes of his family’s Ukrainian town. With adventurous style and artistic flair, Vodka Empire interweaves present day documentary, rare archival footage, animation, and performance art to bring this alcohol-soaked story to life. Lauded by Empire Magazine as “a tender, extraordinary underdog tale filled with humor, fear, and above all, spirit,” this charming docudrama has been winning over film festival audiences on several continents.
 

Preceded by Woody before Allen
Director: Masha Vasyukova
Russia, USA, 2012, 13 minutes
FilmConnects: Post-Screening Vodka Tasting with Directors Dan Edelstyn and Hilary Powell
Guest speakers: Directors Dan Edelstyn and Hilary Powell