TITLE
Chava
PRODUCTION
Late Fall 2024
FORMAT
16mm Film
BUDGET
$300,000
Amidst the chaos of Nazi occupation in Mlawa, Poland 1940, headstrong teenager Chava Vagodsky becomes a witness to a terrifying round-up, shattering her family and plunging her into a desperate struggle for survival and reunification.
Chava must rely on her father's teachings in order to discover the true meaning of resilience, family, and her Jewish identity. Only then, does she have a chance of emerging as a beacon of hope in a world consumed by hatred and fear.
THE CHARACTERS
Chava, a resilient 15-year-old girl, is the anchor of her family. Her strength and determination are tested as she navigates the terrifying landscape of Nazi-occupied Poland. Despite her young age, Chava's bravery and quick thinking make her a beacon of hope and survival for her siblings. Her journey is one of growth, as she transitions from a sheltered child to a fierce protector, embodying the spirit of resistance against unimaginable horrors. Chava looks up to her father, Abram, for guidance, as they share similar interests and thought patterns, making them two peas in a pod. This special bond with her father fuels her resolve and shapes her approach to the challenges they face.
INSPIRED BY A TRUE STORY
"After the Nazis invaded their town in 1939, my Great, Great Aunt and Uncle made the difficult decision to send their four children to safety in Israel, while they stayed in Mława to sell their house and business. Unfortunately, there was not as much time as they thought. Three of the four children survived and created lives for themselves in The Holy Land, but my family does not know what happened with the parents after they were deported. There are vague records in various ghettos and concentration camps, and, though we don’t know when, it is assumed this is where my relatives were killed." ​ - Writer/Director Charli Shapiro ​ This film is a reimagining of the immense and extraordinary sacrifice parents make to save their children. The audience bares witness to the horrors of the Holocaust through the eyes of the family's eldest child, Chava, as she does what she can to save her family. Unfortunately, seeking escape from persecution is not a particularly unique story. This film is for the many Jewish people whose ancestors experienced similar horrors. Together, let's remember their names, share their stories, and practice "Never Again."
To bring this imperative story to life,
we need your help!
In the wake of recent events, the imperative to tell this story as its exploration of the Holocaust resonates with a profound urgency. Today, as the echoes of hatred and prejudice reverberate across the globe, it is more vital than ever to revist the darkness of history and illuminate the resilience of the human spirit. Through CHAVA, we bear witness to the atrocities of the past, not as distant relics of bygone eras, but as cautionary tales that speak directly to the present.
“Nearly 400-percent increase in preliminary antisemitic incidents reported year over year.”
- ADL Center on Extremism
It is necessary that we tell stories of Jewish Hope and Solace in the Homeland now more than ever.
CHAVA powerfully underscores the urgent need to confront hatred and prejudice while honoring the memory of those lost, particularly within the context of family. During the Holocaust, families made extraordinary sacrifices for one another, embodying the essence of love, courage, and selflessness in the face of unspeakable horror. Parents risked everything to protect their children, siblings clung to each other amidst chaos, and communities formed makeshift families in the absence of blood ties. Through Chava's journey, we are reminded of these sacrifices and the enduring strength of familial bonds, serving as a guiding light for a more compassionate and united future. By telling this story, we honor the memory of those who perished and vow never to forget, ensuring that their voices continue to echo through the corridors of time by celebrating the unbreakable spirit of family. CHAVA offers not only a reflection on the past but also a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
Meet The Team
The story of "CHAVA" ignites the deepest fire within Charli. Rooted in her own heritage, this narrative resonates on a profound level. It’s a story that beckons to be shared with the world, and infused with every ounce of passion and dedication that courses through her. Charli is not just telling a story — she is honoring her ancestors by sharing a tale that only she can tell. Chari's love for filmmaking could never be articulated in words, but will be evident in every frame of "CHAVA,". It’s her deepest hope that this passion and ancestrally passed-down resilience shines through bright, unyielding, and everlasting through every millimeter of celluloid.
SHOT ON 16MM FILM
Ah, the enchantment of shooting on 16mm film! Each frame becomes a canvas, painted with the rich hues of nostalgia and authenticity. There's a certain magic that dances through the air on set; everybody holds their breath as the the film magazine whirs. With every click of the gears, we're transported back in time. The beauty of the film extends beyond its visual splendor; it exudes a tangible warmth, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in our story's embrace. For CHAVA, there's simply no other way to capture the essence of this period than through the timeless allure of 16mm film. It's about weaving a tapestry of emotions, one frame at a time. In an era when digital reigns supreme, the decision to shoot on 16mm film is a bold departure from the norm. It's a nod to the tradition of filmmaking, an homage to the pioneers who paved the way with celluloid dreams. Indeed, in a landscape dominated by pixels and megabytes, the choice to embrace the tactile beauty of film is a rare and precious experience. It's a statement of artistic integrity, a declaration that some stories are meant to be told with the timeless allure of grain and emulsion. There's a tangible thrill in knowing that every frame is a precious commodity, urging us to savor each shot with intention and purpose. And oh, the texture! The beauty of shooting on film is more than its visual fidelity; it's how it captures the essence of light, the way it dances with shadows, the manner in which it breathes life into every scene. On set, there's an undeniable electricity in the air, a sense of camaraderie among cast and crew as we unite in our mission to capture pure cinematic magic. For CHAVA, with its poignant moments and epic scale, shooting on 16mm is not just a choice—it's a necessity. It's the secret ingredient that elevates every dramatic moment, infusing it with a richness and depth that simply can't be replicated. It's not just about capturing history; it's about creating it, one mesmerizing frame at a time.
PRODUCTION DETAILS
EXTRAS
200+
SCRIPT
75 Pages
SPEAKING PARTS
50+
PRODUCTION DAYS
10
Though we have already received many generous donations in terms of equipment and man-hours, we still need more. Namely, we need to purchase 16mm film, 200+ period costumes, and properly accommodate our diligent cast and crew totaling 120+ people.
All donations to CHAVA are tax-deductible as allowed by the IRS.
The Grateful Film Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is our Fiscal Sponsorship partner.
Click on the tabs above for more options
​
$180 - Get the recognition you deserve!
Go down in history as a proud supporter of Chava by receiving a "Special Thanks" credit in the end scroll. The bragging rights are all yours.
​
-
Join us on set as an "Extra"
-
A Ticket to the Premiere
-
A Frame of Film
-
Digital Picture Book from the set of CHAVA
​
$360 - "Excuse me, VIP coming through!"
Your reserved seats complete with popcorn and a drink await! Use your Two VIP tickets to the World Premiere of Chava to view the film from the best seats in the house.
​
-
"Special Thanks" Credit
-
Join us on set as an "Extra"
-
A Frame of Film
-
Digital Picture Book from the set of CHAVA
$540 - “I’m ready for my close-up, Mr. DeMille.”
Waiting for your big break? Today’s the day! Climb into your period wardrobe and get ‘camera-ready’ for your role as a Featured Player in a crucial scene in the film.
​
-
Two VIP Tickets
-
"Special Thanks" Credit
-
A Frame of Film
-
Digital Picture Book from the set of CHAVA
OUR TIMELINE
Raise 25% of funds by November 2024
Start Pre-Production by January 2025
Raise 50% of funds by February 2025
​
Raise 75% of funds by March 2025
Production April 2024
Begin Post-Production by May 2025
Reach fundraising goal of $300,000 by June 2025
Screen Premiere by Fall 2025
INT. HOUSE - NIGHT.
The family sits around the dining table, sharing a silent meal under the dim overhead light; the concern is palpable
ABRAM
There is nothing more important than family.
INT. HIDING SPOT - DAY
Chava peeks through a small crack in the facade, her eyes reflect both fear and determination. The dim light casts deep shadows on her face. Her breath halts.
EXT. BACKYARD - DAWN
​
The backdoor of the Vagodsky house clicks shut and Chava breath shutters.