Acclaimed BAFTA, EMMY and TONY award-winning actor, Sir Derek Jacobi (OTHELLO, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, I, CLAUDIUS) will play Sidney in Third Man Film’s upcoming SIDNEY TURTLEBAUM, which premieres at the West End Gala of UK Jewish Film Festival on November 3.

The bitter sweet comedy tells the story of Sidney, an eccentric gay Jewish man in his eighties. To punish the world Sidney earns his living as a pickpocket and a con-man. When Sidney meets 26 year old Gabriel, he cannot resist the opportunity to show off his skills to his new young friend.

Set in the heart of London’s Jewish Community, Golders Green, the short film also features rising star Rupert Evans (HELLBOY, THE PALACE) and is directed by Tristram Shapeero, BAFTA nominated Director of the GREEN WING, PEEP SHOW and PULLING.

Festival Director Judy Ironside, said: “The UKJFF is delighted to see respected actors such as Derek Jacobi supporting up and coming talent. We work to ensure that the UKJFF creates a plurality of voices, featuring films that explore the full diversity and experiences of Jewish life and identity, and similarly providing an outlet not just for the work of established directors and screenwriters, but to bring to the fore exceptional films from people at the start of their careers. This is why we are delighted that with our alliance with the Pears Foundation, our Short Film Fund is able to support new film makers such as Third Man Films.”

Sidney Turtlebaum is produced by Third Man Film’s Daniel Jewel (Producer of Edinburgh Festival hit play ALLEGIANCE) and is written by BAFTA nominated Writer, Raphael Smith.

Third Man Films is a London based production company, currently producing psychological thriller feature ANALOGUE, which was commissioned by Film London’s Microwave Scheme.