I’m on the job hunt, which means I’ve been working on my portfolio. I’ve had a certain story on my mind for a long time–a nursery WWII story, about a Jewish mother who helps her son escape WWII by building a golem out of flower pots. At last I’ve had the chance to make it!
As I’m showing it around for feedback, I’m running into a problem–not a lot of people know what a golem is. (A golem is a mud creature from Jewish folklore–you can make it come to life by writing the Hebrew word “Truth” on its forehead.)
If you watch it:
- Thank you! I’m honored you would spend your time on it ^_^
- Do you know what a golem is? If not, does that affect how much you enjoy the piece?
It was a lot of fun to create. It makes want to have a bunch of pots of yellow tulips :)
PS “Gele Tulpin” means “Yellow Tulips” in Dutch.
That was beautiful. Gave me the ch ills and made me a little verklempt. (Yes, I already knew what a golem was, so I can’t say how that would have impacted my opinion of it.)
That was so lovely!! <3
I also knew what a golem was :)
God bless you!!
~John 3:16~
wow! that was beautiful and moving.
and i did know what a golem was beforehand
It’s a good story, pleasant and fascinating (with a little bit of anxiety), without useless demonstration of violence and well served by the music. It corresponds with no doubt to your art: tell stories; and you do this very well. ;)
there’s some film, like “the golem ” 1920 (black and white) and “le golem” 1936 (a french movie), very similar of your story becouse they are inspered by a legend jews. Golem is common in role playing game and in some vidéo game. I think many people may understand the story without a knowledge of golem.
Good luck for the job hunt . ;)
Beautiful! I learned what a golem is from Fablehaven. :)
Aw. That was sweet. I liked it.
(Also, yes, I know what a golem is from various fantasy books.)
That was wonderful! I didn’t know what a golem is before watching it and it didn’t change how much I enjoyed the piece. I loved the story and the way you told it gave me chills.
I loved it, pretty emotional. I had no idea what a golem was and although it’s helpful and makes more sense if you do know. I could still figure out what was going on (he seemed like a potted Bay max from big hero 6)
Aww! So sweet!! Although knowing does give a clearer understanding, I had no idea of what a golem was and it did not affect my enjoyment of the story. Excellent work and excellent storytelling! : )
I didn’t know what a golem was, but that wasn’t a problem.
Crying at my desk at work was the only “problem”
Beautiful.
Yes, I knew what a golem is. But my kids didn’t.
I loved it. It was like the golem was her final spell of love and defense, a la Harry Potter.
Definitely a tear jerker.
That was so wonderful and beautiful! I especially loved the heartfelt ending! I found that the music matched it really well, and made t feel super emotional. I did not know what a golem was before this, but I don’t think it impacted my understanding of the video. Super well done! :)
I liked it a lot!
That is beautiful and heartbreaking! Even if people don’t know what a golem is, I think its purpose is clear in your story…
Yes, I know what a golem is, great video!
Well, I’m crying at work now.. That was…..absolutely beautiful. Wonderful job!
Brought tears to my eyes more than once! You have a wonderful gift for storytelling and this piece really showcases your talent. I did have some idea of what a golem is, but I don’t think it would be confusing if I didn’t. I feel the best stories have deep historical roots–there’s something about old legends and events that bring out a mutual understanding, even if shown to a diverse audience. Beautifully done.
This was beautiful. Thanks for sharing it with us, even if it did leave me crying into my lunch.
Wow, that was beautiful. It made me cry. You did an excellent job. I don’t know if I would have labeled that creature a golem (I know what a golem is, but I wouldn’t have thought of it in that context), but I don’t think not knowing what the creature was exactly made a difference.
Wow, it was soooo cute! It made me cry. I loved the ending :)))))
I want to show this to everyone I know! It made me cry! So beautiful!
Oh my gosh, I got so emotional over it!! It’s wonderful! :D
Welp. I’m crying.
I did know what a golem was before I saw this, but this is definitely a take I’ve never come across before. I aDORE the story. Thank you so much for sharing!!
I didn’t know what a golem was. This was masterful storytelling. Beautiful heartbreak.
Don’t mind me. I’m just sitting here crying.
That was lovely. I had a vague understanding of what a golem was before I saw your post. I think the story would have made sense to me even if I hadn’t heard of them before, though. The part where the mother is reading the book really gives you all the backstory you need to put it into context, I think.
That was absolutely beautiful.I knew what a golem was in terms of fantasy literature, but hadn’t realized it had a basis in Jewish folklore.
That being said, I don’t think any knowledge of a golem would be needed to understand this piece. The reference in the book she was reading was enough to carry the thought. *sigh* And I cried. Then I smiled. Then I cried. Then I smiled while I cried and now I’m going to go hunt down my child to hug her. She’s 12, so she will think I’m just being a dork, but also knows I’m given to random sentimental gestures that I have no hope of being able to convey to her.
Beautiful work, Ms. Dixon. Beautiful work.
Aaaaw you guys. Imma gonna have a goofy grin on my face this whole week :)
Aw, that made me teary. :) I already knew what a golem was, but I don’t think not knowing would hinder understanding.
Oh my gosh that sent chills up my spine. You are a brilliant storyteller. I would love to see this produced in an animated short. Aaaahhh I can’t even handle how good this is
This is so beautiful :’) Yes, I knew what a golem was beforehand (with the exception of it being in Jewish folklore, how fascinating). Amazing storytelling, great work.
I knew what a Golem was, and I loved this movie. My children have asked to see this movie three or four times and they love it, and don’t know what a Golem is. Beautiful story, we all loved it!
I loved it! It made me smile and it made me cry and it was absolutely beautiful!
I knew what a Golem was, but even if I didn’t it would be absolutely clear.
On to the nitpicking part:
– Golems are not part of Dutch folkolore. Stories about Golem derive from Eastern European Jewish tradition. That said, the mother could be reading a book from that tradition. Also, Golem are not made from baked clay, but from clay and than baked.
– the bread which the mother carries looks like french bread, ‘baguettes’. I can assure you that those were not available in the middle of WWII in a city in Holland. The same goes for a paper bag to do your groceries in. Nobody uses (or used) that in Holland. A basket or a shopping bag (canvas with handles) is what would be used.
– And of course all windows would have been taped of with paper so no light could escape (verduistering).
Please don’t take these points as negative. I really loved it!!
(Oh, and of course I’m Dutch ;-) and a history buff )
It gave me cold chills and made me cry. Thanks for sharing.
What a moving story. You are an amazing artist and storyteller.
You’re very talented!
But I thought it was tragic that the boy was cut off from his heritage.
I did not know whatva golem was but that was a very lovely video! I want yellow tulips everywhere now!