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izidor

Izidor is a disabled orphan trapped in a world of animation. He lives in a hidden asylum where “defective” children are banished and abused in 1988 communist Romania. Izidor spends his days staring out the window at a world he is not allowed to touch. That is, until the day nanny Onisa takes him home for the night. Once they step outside the asylum gate, the world transforms into live action – it’s real! Izidor is spellbound by the sights and sounds of village life. He delights in the beauty of love and belonging in Onisa’s family. But all too soon, Izidor remembers where he really belongs. Was Onisa’s courageous act of kindness a terrible mistake?

  • David Kabbe
    Director
  • Sarah Padbury
    Writer
  • Sarah Padbury
    Producer
  • David Kabbe
    Producer
  • Izidor Ruckel
    Producer
    Given Our Chance
  • Iosua Barbu
    Key Cast
    "Izidor"
  • Sarah Padbury
    Key Cast
    "Onisa"
  • Lucian Igna
    Key Cast
    "Dragos"
  • Christine Lojko Haslett
    Editor
    Bad Guys, How to Train Your Dragon, Trolls
  • Mark Haslett
    Editor
    Let's Go Luna!, Helix, Last House on the Left
  • Tony Leech
    Editor
    Hoodwinked!, Escape from Planet Earth, Variant
  • Dom Camardello
    5.1 and Stereo Mix
    Gran Tourismo, Mission Impossible, Law and Order. Grammy for audio book.
  • John Kujawa
    Animation Supervisor
    South Park, Cars, Activision
  • Daniel Wyland
    Director of Photography
    27 Children
  • Elena Beuca
    Romania Co-Producer
    Talita, Thy Neighbors
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, hybrid
  • Runtime:
    29 minutes 56 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 2, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    270,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States, United States
  • Country of Filming:
    Romania
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Cleveland International Film Festival
    Cleveland, OH
    United States
    April 2, 2025
    World Premiere
    Official Selection
Director Biography - David Kabbe

Dave has 20 years of experience in producing, coordinating and directing a wide range of productions, including independent films, television, live events, tentpole premieres, talk shows, and multimedia events. He has also worked with many of the major studios (Paramount, Universal, DreamWorks, and Warner Brothers). IZIDOR is his film directorial debut.

Dave grew up traveling the world, which instilled in him a passion to give voice to humanitarian issues. As a filmmaker, his journey includes interviewing Filipino warlords, documenting genocide in war-torn Iraq, and recording the recent atrocities in Ukraine. His experience as a foster child mentor opened his eyes to the needs of at-risk children.

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Director Statement

Izidor is a story about the resilience of the human spirit. Using animation to depict the harrowing experiences of children in an asylum allows us to handle sensitive content with delicacy and compassion, yet still embrace the harsh realities of life.

While reading Izidor’s autobiography and researching the mountain of news coverage about his life, I came to the story about a nanny who took him outside for the first time at eight years old. I was so moved that I had to put the book down and take a long walk. There are too many stories of children in situations they shouldn't endure. How many more stories like this do I have to read, witness, or document?

After many conversations with the writer, we kept returning to this crucial event: going "outside." It became clear it wasn’t just a story I should tell - it was the story I MUST tell. This film is a tribute to all who suffer, encouraging and inspiring us all to do what we can to bring hope and light into the darkest places.