Sidney Turtlebaum
Synopsis
Sidney Turtlebaum is an eccentric gay Jewish man in his eighties. To punish the world which rejected him, Sidney earns his living as a pickpocket and a conman. His chosen modus operandi is to read through the recent death notices in the London Jewish Post identifying Shiva houses of mourning in order to steal from the gathered crowd.
More than just a thief, Sidney is a performer and revels in the opportunity to take centre stage capturing the assembled mourners with his anecdotes and nostalgic songs.
When Sidney earns the respect and curiosity of 26 year old Gabriel he decides to take him to his next Shiva home thus opening up his strange world to the innocent eyes of his young new friend.
Details
- Year
- 2010
- Type of film
- Shorts
- Running time
- 20 mins
- Format
- Super 16mm
- Director
-
Tristram Shapeero
- Producer
- Mandy Belnick
- Editor
- Gary Dollner
- Screenwriter
- Raphael Smith
- Director of Photography
- Federico Alfonzo
- Production Designer
- Caroline Amies
- Sound
- Chris Round
- Composer
- Ben Foster
- Principal cast
- Derek Jacobi, Rupert Evans
Categories
Production Status
Production Company
Third Man Films
16 Stourcliffe StreetLondon W1H 5AQ
UK
Sales Company
Third Man Films
16 Stourcliffe StreetLondon W1H 5AQ
UK
Page updates
This page was last updated on 12th May 2025. Please let us know if we need to make any amendments or request edit access by clicking below.
See also
You may also be interested in other relevant projects in the database.

Director: Akporé Uzoh
Year: 2026
The aftermath of a sexual assault (rape). Exploring the deep-felt consequences for all involved. At its heart an epic story of a couple's fight for the survival of their love.

Director: J.P. Vine
Year: 2025
When an overwhelmed single dad pig moves his piglets into a trailer park, he fears he's failed his family. But soon his kids create a wildly imaginative game, and Dad has a choice between dwell on the past or join them on their adventure. Official Selection Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2025 - World premiere Official Selection LA Shorts International Festival 2025 Official Selection BFI London Film Festival 2025

Director: Kris Carr
Year: 2025
All George wants is to stop getting pushed around by the local bullies. So when a pair of weird twins offer to introduce him to their grandma they say can “make him big & strong”, he jumps at the chance. One problem: Grandma is an ancient creature who feeds on children’s youth. Official Selection BFI London Film Festival 2025 Official Selection Aesthetica Short Film Festival 2025