Hope Wins: David Kabbe on ‘IZIDOR’ and the Power of Courageous Kindness

When filmmaker David Kabbe set out to make IZIDOR, he didn’t just want to tell another orphan’s story—he wanted to change the narrative.

Born in Kabul, Afghanistan to missionary parents, Kabbe grew up across Southeast Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas before settling in the U.S., where he pursued athletics and the arts. A graduate of DePaul University with honors in communication and film, he founded Culture Shock Productions in 2015 with a vision: “to merge international content with a cultural dynamic brand for a shrinking world.”

His latest film, IZIDOR, is a testament to that vision.

Courage awakens kindness

“Kindness is more than simply being nice. True kindness startles us—it takes courage.”

The Heart of the Story

Set in 1988 communist Romania, IZIDOR tells the real-life story of a young disabled boy living in a brutal institutional system. When a caregiver named Onisa took him home for one night, she couldn’t have predicted how that small act of kindness would ripple across decades.

“She didn’t know how history would unfold—she only knew that these children deserved love.”

For Izidor, that night wasn’t just a break from the institution—it was “the day I discovered hope.” That moment becomes the film’s heartbeat: a powerful portrayal of what Kabbe calls “courageous kindness.”

Blending Animation and Reality

In crafting the film’s emotional journey, Kabbe faced a creative challenge: how to depict the harsh reality of Romania’s orphanages without retraumatizing the viewer.

“The abuse faced by disabled children was too graphic for live action, so we turned to animation to convey those realities with both sensitivity and emotional weight.”

Partnering with animation supervisor John Kujawa (South Park), they designed a disturbing animated world rendered in Pantone 448 C—infamously known as the “ugliest color in the world.” The result? A surreal, deeply immersive experience that allows audiences to see the world through Izidor’s eyes.

Unseen worlds intertwine

“Characters move in subtly unnatural ways, children’s faces are blurred, and the architecture mirrors the real buildings, seamlessly connecting the animated and live-action worlds.”

The Moment He Became Alive

Kabbe juxtaposes this animated nightmare with lush, sun-drenched cinematography from his Romanian crew—DP Daniel Wyland, 2nd Unit DP Stefan Aghitoaie, Drone Pilot Paul Plesha, and Sound Technician Daniel Rizea. Through this contrast, the film evokes what Kabbe calls “becoming alive.”

“It feels as though Izidor isn’t just stepping into the light—he’s becoming human for the very first time.”

The beauty of grass, the joy of playing, the warmth of a shared meal—IZIDOR reintroduces audiences to life’s simplest blessings.

A Call to Action

At just 30 minutes, IZIDOR is a compact but impactful tool for change. Kabbe sees the film as more than art—it’s advocacy. It’s already being used by child welfare organizations, universities, and faith-based groups as a training and awareness resource.

“We hope viewers will step out and reach into a vulnerable child’s life with courageous kindness.”

And IZIDOR is just the beginning. A four-part limited series is already written, chronicling Izidor Ruckel’s remarkable journey—from adoption and trauma to activism and healing. Kabbe and his team are actively seeking partners to bring the series to life.

Hear what others hide

“IZIDOR offers an authentic narrative that resonates with people who experienced childhood trauma, making them feel their stories are represented with honesty and respect.”

Reframing the Orphan Trope

Kabbe is critical of how orphans are often depicted in film—either idealized or villainized. He wants to change that.

“Many films either gloss over the profound effects of trauma or depict orphaned children as villains. These depictions perpetuate harmful stereotypes.”

With IZIDOR, he’s offering a corrective: a nuanced, emotionally intelligent portrait of resilience, belonging, and healing.

Where to Watch

The film is currently on the festival circuit but will be available for streaming soon at IzidorStory.com, where audiences can also sign up for updates and find actionable ways to support vulnerable children.

Follow the film on social media: Instagram / TikTok / Facebook / X → @IzidorStory

“By the end, we offer the audience a chance to reconstruct hope for themselves, on their own terms.”

Unlock what’s inside

In a world desperately in need of empathy, IZIDOR is more than a film—it’s a movement. And David Kabbe is proving that, yes, hope wins.

Unmask the truth

Read about Izidor Ruckel’s story: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Izidor_Ruckel