A young adult novel exploring themes of antisemitism is set to be adapted into a feature film by Fox Entertainment and the production company of actress Gal Gadot. The project involves a collaboration between Fox Entertainment Studios, Pilot Wave, and Moriah Media, the film division of the Simon Wiesenthal Center.
Pilot Wave, which is owned by Gadot and her husband Yaron Varsano, announced that it will lead the adaptation efforts. Both Gadot and Varsano are expected to serve as executive producers on the upcoming film project.
The source material is the novel 'Don't Feed the Lion,' which was co-written by news anchors Yonit Levi of Channel 12 and Bianna Golodryga of CNN. The book was published in November of last year and has since gained significant attention for its narrative focus on modern challenges faced by Jewish youth.
The story follows three Jewish teenagers living in Chicago as they navigate and confront rising antisemitism within their school environment. The narrative aims to highlight the experiences of young people in the current social climate.
Levi and Golodryga shared their motivation for writing the book in a public statement. They described themselves as two Jewish mothers who were deeply concerned about the world their children are growing up in. The authors expressed gratitude to Fox, Gadot, and Varsano for immediately recognizing the mission behind the story.
The novel was initially released in two languages. The English edition was published by Arcadia Publishing, while the Hebrew version was released by Modan Books. This dual release helped the book reach a broader international audience from its inception.
Since its publication, the book has achieved notable commercial success. It has sold tens of thousands of copies and reached the number one spot on Amazon in the children's Jewish literature categories. Additionally, the title appeared on the USA Today bestseller list, further cementing its popularity among readers.
The adaptation marks a significant step in bringing this contemporary story to a wider cinematic audience. The involvement of major entertainment studios and prominent producers signals a strong commitment to translating the book's message into a visual medium.
The film project brings together key figures in both media and entertainment to address the theme of antisemitism through the lens of a young adult narrative. The collaboration underscores the industry's interest in stories that reflect current societal issues.
As production moves forward, the team behind the film aims to capture the essence of the original novel. The project represents a joint effort to explore the experiences of Jewish teenagers in a modern urban setting, with a focus on their resilience and community.
