
Based on an autobiographical novella by Ivan Olbracht, the film tells the story of Hanele Safarová, who grows up just after the First World War in a little Ruthenian schtetl which, in true Hassidic fashion, awaits the arrival of the Messiah. But Hanele decides to follow the Zionists instead. She moves to the city to prepare for her departure to the Promised Land, where she meets a successful businessman named Ivo Karadzic, who has renounced Judaism to become a free-thinker. Their love for each other doesn’t only drive Hanele’s parents to distraction, it also threatens to destroy the entire community in the schetl.

as Hanele Šafarová

as Ivo Karadžič

as Dad

as Mom

as Grandpa Šafar

as Pinches Jakubovič

as Šlojme Kac

as Jid Fajnerman

as Salamon Fux

as Ester Fuxová

as Benci Fux

as Herše Fux

as Leib Abramovič

as Old Kac

as Mojše Kahan

as Ivo's Mother

as Lieutenant

as Student

as Narrator (voice)











































as Leib Abramovič (voice) (uncredited)