IZIDOR Distribution Update (Fall 2025)

FILM FESTIVAL SCREENINGS

IZIDOR, the powerful short film inspired by true events, has been officially selected for six film festivals to date, including the prestigious Oscar®-qualifying Cleveland International Film Festival.

“We are honored by the recognition and deeply moved to see how IZIDOR continues to resonate with audiences across the country,” said Sarah Padbury, writer and producer of IZIDOR. “This story of resilience and belonging is sparking the conversations we hoped it would.”

*Izidor Ruckel (producer) and Sarah Padbury (writer/producer) at the Cleveland International Film Festival*

ROMANIA 3-WEEK TOUR

In June 2025, IZIDOR returned to Romania, where Sarah, Izidor, and director/producer David Kabbe hosted 11 private screenings across four cities—Cluj, Bucharest, Timișoara, and Sighetu Marmației. Each event featured a Q&A with the filmmakers, sparking heartfelt conversations around Romania’s history and the lasting impact of its orphanage system.

The response was powerful. We held screenings in a high school for the deaf, a county library, a retreat center, a special needs art program, churches, and multiple theaters. Educators and students, government officials and community advocates expressed strong interest in bringing the film into universities and high schools as a meaningful tool for teaching and reflection, especially in psychology and history programs.

PRESS AND PEOPLE

For complete media coverage and professional movie reviews, click here.

*Izidor shared about the film in several Romanian press interviews.*

*Dave and Sarah meet with the film's child actors - now grown up!*

*Izidor speaking with special needs art students after their screening.*

WHAT'S NEXT

THE IZIDOR COLLECTION

The IZIDOR Collection equips child advocates with access to the film IZIDOR and a range of curated discussion guides. These resources help organizations adapt the experience to their mission, sparking meaningful dialogue and inspiring action.

More information coming soon on available discussion guides!

WHEN CAN I SEE IT?

IN-PERSON Private Screenings: Available for organizations/groups by contacting Exec. Producer Sarah Padbury ([email protected]).

MOVIE PREMIERE: Public screenings to be available in 2026 (after the festival circuit).