This Orthodox Jewish Boy Stars in Emmy-Nominated Animated Short

Asher Blinkoff is still years away from his bar mitzvah, but he may clinch his first Emmy this weekend. Taking Flight, an animated short that has been nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award features the voice talents of eight-year-old Asher Blinkoff, the actor son of 2014 Orthodox Jewish All Star Saul Blinkoff. Asher’s previous voice acting work includes roles in Hotel Transylvania 2 alongside Adam Sandler, The Jungle Book with Bill Murray, and Sing with Reese Witherspoon. Puppy, another short film that Asher voiced, is due out later this year.

The makers of popular wheeled toys, Radio Flyer, produced the animated short film. Taking Flight is nominated in two separate categories: Outstanding Special Class Animated Program and Outstanding Directing in an Animated Program. The short film has already received more than 20 awards from film festivals around the world. Inspired by the life of the inventor of the beloved Little Red Wagon, Antonio Pasin, what begins as a small boy’s boring day with Grandpa turns into a larger-than-life journey of imaginative play.

Through an epic adventure, the family forms a new bond, sealed by the time they share enjoying the wagon together. With Academy Award-winning behind-the-scenes talent, the timeless charm of Radio Flyer’s signature wagon, stirring music, and talented voice actors, the short film is touching and entertaining. While Asher has just a few lines in the short, he plays the role of a disgruntled boy who finds adventure where he least expects it.

Asher’s father, Saul, is a film director and animator who has been a part of Disney’s most iconic films of their Animation Renaissance, such as Pocahontas and Mulan. Asher’s mother, Marion, was an Associate Producer for Disney and Nickelodeon. As Orthodox Jews in the Entertainment Industry, they know the ins and outs of keeping kosher and Shabbos while working on a production schedule. Wishing Asher continued success with his movie roles and his most important role of kiddush Hashem and, of course, a hatzlacha rabbah at the Emmys!

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