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Film Adaptation Tackles Rising Antisemitism in Schools
11 Nov
Summary
- A film adaptation of 'Don't Feed the Lion' is in development.
- The story addresses a teen's struggle with online antisemitism.
- The film explores themes of courage, identity, and standing up to hate.
Fox Entertainment Studios and Moriah Media are partnering to develop and produce a film adaptation of the children's book "Don't Feed the Lion." The story, published by Arcadia Children's Books, follows 13-year-old Theo Kaplan, his sister Annie, and their classmate Gabe. Their lives are upended when Theo's soccer idol shares an antisemitic message online, which quickly goes viral.
The hatred infiltrates their Chicago middle school, prompting the young friends to navigate prejudice and peer pressure. They must seek allies and gather the courage to speak out against the rising tide of antisemitism. The narrative is framed by Shabbat dinners with their immigrant grandparents, who impart wisdom through the aphorism "don't feed the lion."
Emmy Award-winning journalist Bianna Golodryga and Israeli news anchor Gilat Levi authored the book. They were inspired by their own children's questions about escalating antisemitism and the lack of middle-grade fiction on the subject. Gal Gadot and Jaron Varsano are executive producing the film through Pilot Wave Motion Pictures, aiming to create a story that fosters conversation and empathy.
