On the 75th anniversary of Russian-Jewish writer Isaac Babel’s execution, his grandson searches for answers to better understand the man he never met.

Isaac Babel, a prominent Russian-Jewish writer, is renowned for his profound storytelling that vividly depicted the complexities of early Soviet life. His works, such as Red Cavalry and Odessa Stories, offer unflinching portrayals of war and the underworld of Odessa, respectively. Tragically, Babel’s literary candor led to his arrest and execution in 1940 under Stalin’s regime (Britannica).

In an effort to uncover the enigmas surrounding his grandfather’s life and demise, Andrei Malaev-Babel embarked on a journey chronicled in the documentary Finding Babel. Directed by David Novack, the film follows Andrei as he traverses Ukraine, France, and Russia, delving into Babel’s personal history and literary contributions. The documentary uniquely intertwines Babel’s narratives, read by actor Liev Schreiber, with ethereal animations, blurring the lines between reality and fiction (Finding Babel).

Hannah Brown, in her article for The Jerusalem Post, discusses the documentary’s exploration of Babel’s life, emphasizing the filmmakers’ intent to present a contemporary perspective. They aimed to move beyond traditional biographical documentaries by integrating Babel’s literary voice and examining his personal complexities. The film also highlights the paradoxes in Babel’s life, such as his association with the Cossacks, despite their antisemitic tendencies, which inspired his book Red Cavalry (The Jerusalem Post).

Finding Babel not only sheds light on the author’s life but also resonates with current societal issues, reflecting on the enduring impact of his work. The documentary serves as a testament to Babel’s literary genius and the timeless relevance of his stories in understanding the human condition.