This feature length film is about three of the great events of the twentieth century: the Bolshevik Revolution, the Holocaust and the collapse of Communism. It is told through the story of the film-maker Dan Edelstyn, whose Jewish grandmother fled the Bolshevik revolution as a 20 year old , to end up in turbulent Belfast in the early 1920s.

Dan, discovering her diaries a few years ago, decides to investigate her life. He discovers that most of the remaining members of his family died at the hands of the Nazis in Kiev, but the family vodka factory still exists tottering on the edge of bankruptcy. To save it and the village on which it depends he decides to import its high quality vodka to the UK.

The film interweaves Dans attempts to get the business going, with his historical investigation into the history of his family. This is a film about identity, belonging, cultural integration and the Jewish experience of the twentieth century, told with wit, insight and a gripping unfolding narrative.

Have a look here at the first Episode on Babelgum – which really gives an overview of the whole adventure:

http://www.babelgum.com/4025162/vodka-empire-pr...

Also please have a look under the gallery section to see a couple of brand new animation scenes which will be woven into the final film.

If you do decide to support us, please email Dan@optimisticproductions.co.uk with your address for the vodka and special papers to be sent to!