2026 FESTIVAL PROGRAM

Experience the Borscht Belt Film Festival to the fullest! The All-Access pass gets you into all nine films  and two panels, reserved VIP seating, full weekend access to the Borscht Belt Museum, a festival swag bag, and a ticket at our exclusive Opening Night Party.

Benefits include:

• One ticket to each of the 9 screenings and 2 panel discussions

• Reserved VIP seating at all festival screenings and events

• All weekend access to the Borscht Belt Museum

• Festival swag bag

• One ticket to the Opening Night Party, Friday, November 6, 5-7pm at the Borscht Belt Museum, followed by a screening of We Met at Grossinger's at Shadowland Stages.

Please note, a member from the Borscht Belt Museum team will contact you to reserve your VIP seating and answer any questions regarding your All-access pass.

Friday, November 6, 3:00 PM
Doors Open at 2:15 PM
Location: SHADOWLAND STAGES
157 Canal Street, Ellenville

An immersive journey through the Jewish Catskills—once known as the Borscht Belt—reviving the iconic resort that inspired Dirty Dancing and defined an era of Jewish American life. Throughout decades of prejudice stifling the integration of Jewish immigrants in America, the Borscht Belt in the Catskills provided an oasis of belonging, and Grossinger’s Resort and Hotel was the crown jewel. Grossinger’s provided both a physical and mental getaway where Jews—and others from marginalized communities—needing a break from NYC could relax.

The resort’s growing reputation attracted a wide variety of comedians, athletes, and political figures, including Mel Brooks, Jerry Seinfeld, Jackie Robinson and Eleanor Roosevelt.

Award-winning filmmaker Paula Eiselt (Aftershock, 93Queen) resurrects this vanished world with an immersive warmth, providing a timely reminder of the historic richness of Jewish culture and its immeasurable contributions to American life.

Documentary / 2026 / 104 min
Director: Paula Eiselt

A conversation with producer Robert Friedman and several of the Grossinger family members.

We Met at Grossinger’s was produced by Bungalow Media + Entertainment

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Thank you to our sponsors: Debbie & TJ Briggs.

Friday, November 6
Reception: 5:00 to 7:00 PM
Location: BORSCHT BELT MUSEUM
90 Canal Street, Ellenville
Movie: 7:00 PM
Location: SHADOWLAND STAGES THEATER
157 Canal Street, Ellenville

Celebrate the ‘Golden Era’ of the Catskills and kick-off the Borscht Belt Film Festival with an unforgettable evening of nostalgia, cinema, and award ceremony honoring the late Elaine Grossinger Etess with the Borscht Belt Legacy Award, to be accepted on her behalf by her children and grandchildren.

Includes opening reception with cocktails, Borscht Belt style nosh, award ceremony, screening of We Met at Grossinger’s, produced by Bungalow Media + Entertainment, and Q&A with special guests.

Thank you to the sponsors of this event: Debbie & TJ Briggs, Peter Chester, Robin & Michael Kauffman: In Memory of Janice Wayne, Eric Taras & Marisa Catanzaro, City Winery, and Tuthilltown Spirits.

Saturday, November 7, 10:00 - 11:00 AM
Location: THE COMMON GOOD BOOKSTORE
119 Canal Street, Ellenville
Doors open at 9 AM with coffee and breakfast available for purchase.

Josh Mostel joins us to talk about growing up the son of Zero Mostel, one of the great comic actors of the American stage and screen, and about the Borscht Belt humor that shaped both of their careers. Zero, a three time Tony Award winner, became a Broadway icon through A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and Fiddler on the Roof. Josh will reflect on acting, comedy, and what it means to carry a legendary name, and will also discuss his role in the festival entry Bad Shabbos screening on Saturday, November 8 at 7pm.

About Josh Mostel

Josh Mostel is an American actor with more than fifty years of film, television, and Broadway credits. Born in New York City, he began as a boy soprano at the Metropolitan Opera and graduated from Brandeis University. He made his Broadway debut in 1971 in Unlikely Heroes and soon drew wide attention as King Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar. His film credits include Harry and Tonto, Sophie's Choice, Radio Days, The Money Pit, Wall Street, City Slickers, Rounders, Billy Madison, and Big Daddy. He also starred as Blotto Blutarsky in the television series Delta House, and appears in the Borscht Belt Film Festival entry Bad Shabbos in the role of Saul.

Saturday, November 7, 1:00 PM
Location: BORSCHT BELT MUSEUM
90 Canal Street, Ellenville

Join historian & founding board member Dr. Peter Alan Chester for a tour of the museum's latest exhibition, Catskills Romance: Love and Desire in the Borscht Belt.

*Please note, for general admission to the Borscht Belt Museum click here.

The exhibit traces the relationships — both conventional and otherwise — that unfolded across the grand hotels and humble bungalow colonies. It celebrates the resort owners, maitre d’s, social directors (tummlers), dance instructors, and staff who masterminded countless successful matches, and explores the beautiful rituals of courtship that defined Catskills summer. The exhibit highlights the essential spaces, activities, and ingredients that sparked connection: the poolside scene, the Mambo nights and Champagne Hour competitions, and the world-class entertainment that made the resorts irresistible to singles and couples alike.

Beyond the nostalgia, the exhibition uncovers more complex narratives: tales of hidden desire, lost innocence, and the enduring memories guests carried home long after the season ended. Drawing on rare artifacts, vintage photography, oral histories, and the iconic popular culture the era inspired, Catskills Romance offers an intimate, elegant look at a world where tradition and transgression mingled poolside — and a single dance could change a life forever.

Limited space, reserve your tickets!

This exhibition contains mature content and is not suitable for all ages. Parental discretion is advised.

Saturday, November 7, 11:00 AM
Location: SHADOWLAND STAGES THEATER
157 Canal Street, Ellenville

Who remembers the Automat? We do! The restaurant chain was well known for serving fresh cooked meals out of a vending machine for a nickel in a commissary-style eatery operated by Horn and Hardart.

This nostalgic documentary also features an original song by Mel Brooks.

Documentary / 2021 / 79 min
Director: Lisa Hurwitz

A conversation with director Lisa Hurwitz, film participant and avid Autmat collector, Steve Stollman. Moderated by Ira Deutchman.

Ira Deutchman has been making, marketing and distributing films since 1975, having worked on over 150 films including some of the most successful independent films of all time.

Thank you to Steve Stollman, film participant and avid collector of the original, vintage Automats for providing original Automat fixtures in the lobby of Shadowland Stages.

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Thank you to our sponsors: Allen Frishman and Mt&T Bank.

Saturday, November 7, 1:00 PM

Location: SHADOWLAND STAGES THEATER
157 Canal Street, Ellenville

EGG CREAM

A fizzy short film about memory, history, and the enduring meaning of a beloved chocolate soda drink born in Jewish immigrant neighborhoods at the turn of the 20th century. The egg cream contained neither eggs nor cream - it was a product of necessity and hardship, but a source of joy and sweetness.

Documentary Short / 2018 / 16 min
Co-Directed by Nora Claire Miller & Peter Miller

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Thank you to our sponsors: Ivy Barsky & Susan Weiss: In Memory of Grandma Tesse Barsky

PAIR OF JOKERS

Rarely seen showbiz saga starring Jerry Stiller, filmed at The Pines in 1990. It’s going to be a sold out show at The Pines’ Persian Room. But veteran comic Scully Wexler has a crisis - after a lifetime of making people laugh, he can’t do it anymore. He can’t find it in himself to take the stage and tell one more joke. Jerry Pinkowitz, a young counterman at the legendary Red Apple Rest who idolizes Scully, is the only hope.

Pair of Jokers is about dreams, believing in oneself, and the undeniable gift of being able to make people laugh.

Directed by Mark Mannucci
Feature Film / 1990 / 42 min

A conversation with directors Peter Miller of Egg Cream and Mark Mannucci of Pair of Jokers and moderated by Borscht Belt Film Festival Program Advisor Jay Blotcher.

Jay Blotcher, a longtime film writer and editor, has lived in Hudson Valley since 2001, and brings decades of cinema passion and local programming experience to the Borscht Belt Film Festival as its Programming Advisor.

Saturday, November 7, 3:00 PM
Location: SHADOWLAND STAGES THEATER
157 Canal Street, Ellenville

A struggling musician takes a last-resort job supervising misfits at her childhood Jewish summer camp.

Starring: Jackie Tohn, Steve Guttenberg, Seth Green, Sarah Podemski, Aya Cash, Jonathan Silverman, and Judah Lewis.

Feature Narrative / 2026 / 101 min
Directed by Rachel Israel

A conversation with producer Shai Korman and moderated by Borscht Belt Film Festival Program Advisor Jay Blotcher.

Jay Blotcher, a longtime film writer and editor, has lived in Hudson Valley since 2001, and brings decades of cinema passion and local programming experience to the Borscht Belt Film Festival as its Programming Advisor.

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Saturday, November 7, 5:30 PM
Location: SHADOWLAND STAGES THEATER
157 Canal Street, Ellenville

Delving into family history through archival photos, videos and audio recordings, actor-director Ben Stiller creates an unflinchingly honest, yet tender, and deeply personal tribute to his parents, comedians and actors Jerry Stiller and Ann Meara-- and the contrast between their home lives and onstage careers. A beautiful film about spouses, children, and their parents.

Documentary / 2025 / 98 min
Directed by Ben Stiller

Conversation moderated by Ira Deutchman.

Ira Deutchman has been making, marketing and distributing films since 1975, having worked on over 150 films including some of the most successful independent films of all time.

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Thank you to our sponsors: Bjorn Qorn, Honor's Haven Retreat & Conference, Stockade Works, and Upstate Curious.

Saturday, November 7, 8:00 PM
Location: SHADOWLAND STAGES THEATER
157 Canal Street, Ellenville

David and his fiancée Meg are about to have their parents meet for the first time over a Shabbat dinner on New York’s Upper West Side when an accidental death (or murder?) gets in the way. With Meg's Catholic parents due any moment, this family dinner soon spirals into a hilarious disaster.

Starring: Kyra Sedgewich, Ashley Zuckerman, Milana Vayntrub, David Paymer, Josh Mostel, Josh Bass, and Method Man.

Feature Film / 2024 / 84 min
Directed by Daniel Robbins

A conversation with actor Josh Mostel (son of Zero Mostel) and moderated by Borscht Belt Film Festival Program Advisor Jay Blotcher.

Jay Blotcher, a longtime film writer and editor, has lived in Hudson Valley since 2001, and brings decades of cinema passion and local programming experience to the Borscht Belt Film Festival as its Programming Advisor.

WATCH TRAILER

Sunday, November 8, 9:30 - 11:00 AM
Location: THE COMMON GOOD BOOKSTORE
119 Canal Street, Ellenville
Doors open at 9 AM with coffee and breakfast available for purchase.

Join us for a light breakfast and a conversation with filmmaker Paula Eiselt about her documentary We Met at Grossinger's, a celebration of the legendary Catskills resort that inspired Dirty Dancing and stood at the heart of Jewish American life. Built and run by three generations of Grossinger women, the resort became a sanctuary of identity, joy, and reinvention for a community shut out of mainstream vacation spots. Moderated by Ira Deutchman.

Eiselt will discuss uncovering this history with the Grossinger family, her work with archival footage and interviews, and why preserving the stories of the Borscht Belt matters now.

About Paula Eiselt

Paula Eiselt is a Peabody and duPont-Columbia Award winning director, a Primetime Emmy nominee, and a Sundance Jury Prize winner, known for character driven storytelling with journalistic rigor. Her films include 93Queen, about a trailblazing Hasidic judge and her all-female ambulance corps in Brooklyn, and Aftershock, which examines the U.S. maternal health crisis and premiered at Sundance. She also directed the short Under G-d. Her work has screened at more than 100 festivals and streamed on HBO Max, Hulu, Disney+, and PBS/POV. A graduate of NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, Eiselt premiered We Met at Grossinger's at DOC NYC in 2025.

About Ira Deutchman

Ira Deutchman has been making, marketing and distributing films since 1975, having worked on over 150 films including some of the most successful independent films of all time.

Thank you to our sponsors: Tara’s Call Sheet.

Sunday, November 8, 10:00 AM

Walk with Elliott Auerbach, lifelong resident of Ellenville and Borscht Belt Museum Board Member.
Location: BORSCHT BELT MUSEUM
90 Canal Street, Ellenville

On day two of the Borscht Belt Film Fest, start your day with a walking tour of Ellenville by Elliott Auberbach– former mayor, village manager, and state deputy comptroller. He will take you on a walking tour of Ellenville, where you'll learn about hidden landmarks, striking architecture, and reveal things that only the locals know. Limited to 15 people. Must register in advance! Meet at the Borscht Belt Museum at 10 am, where the tour will start.

Cost: $25 Donation to the Borscht Belt Museum

Sunday, November 8, 11:00 AM

Location: SHADOWLAND STAGES
157 Canal Street, Ellenville

An immersive journey through the Jewish Catskills—once known as the Borscht Belt—reviving the iconic resort that inspired Dirty Dancing and defined an era of Jewish American life. Throughout decades of prejudice stifling the integration of Jewish immigrants in America, the Borscht Belt in the Catskills provided an oasis of belonging, and Grossinger’s Resort and Hotel was the crown jewel. Grossinger’s provided both a physical and mental getaway where Jews—and others from marginalized communities—needing a break from NYC could relax.

The resort’s growing reputation attracted a wide variety of comedians, athletes, and political figures, including Mel Brooks, Jerry Seinfeld, Jackie Robinson and Eleanor Roosevelt. Award-winning filmmaker Paula Eiselt (Aftershock, 93Queen) resurrects this vanished world with an immersive warmth, providing a timely reminder of the historic richness of Jewish culture and its immeasurable contributions to American life.

Documentary / 2026 / 104 min
Director: Paula Eiselt

A conversation with director Paula Eiselt and others. Moderated by Ira Deutchman.

We Met at Grossinger’s was produced by Bungalow Media + Entertainment

About Paula Eiselt

Paula Eiselt is a Peabody and duPont-Columbia Award winning director, a Primetime Emmy nominee, and a Sundance Jury Prize winner, known for character driven storytelling with journalistic rigor. Her films include 93Queen, about a trailblazing Hasidic judge and her all-female ambulance corps in Brooklyn, and Aftershock, which examines the U.S. maternal health crisis and premiered at Sundance. She also directed the short Under G-d. Her work has screened at more than 100 festivals and streamed on HBO Max, Hulu, Disney+, and PBS/POV. A graduate of NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, Eiselt premiered We Met at Grossinger's at DOC NYC in 2025.

About Ira Deutchman

Ira Deutchman has been making, marketing and distributing films since 1975, having worked on over 150 films including some of the most successful independent films of all time.

WATCH TRAILER

Sunday, November 8, 1:00 PM

Location: BORSCHT BELT MUSEUM
90 Canal Street, Ellenville

Join historian & founding board member Dr. Peter Alan Chester for a tour of the museum's latest exhibition, Catskills Romance: Love and Desire in the Borscht Belt.

*Please note, for general admission to the Borscht Belt Museum click here.

The exhibit traces the relationships — both conventional and otherwise — that unfolded across the grand hotels and humble bungalow colonies. It celebrates the resort owners, maitre d’s, social directors (tummlers), dance instructors, and staff who masterminded countless successful matches, and explores the beautiful rituals of courtship that defined Catskills summer. The exhibit highlights the essential spaces, activities, and ingredients that sparked connection: the poolside scene, the Mambo nights and Champagne Hour competitions, and the world-class entertainment that made the resorts irresistible to singles and couples alike.

Beyond the nostalgia, the exhibition uncovers more complex narratives: tales of hidden desire, lost innocence, and the enduring memories guests carried home long after the season ended. Drawing on rare artifacts, vintage photography, oral histories, and the iconic popular culture the era inspired, Catskills Romance offers an intimate, elegant look at a world where tradition and transgression mingled poolside — and a single dance could change a life forever.

This exhibition contains mature content and is not suitable for all ages. Parental discretion is advised.

Sunday, November 8, 1:30 PM
Location: SHADOWLAND STAGES THEATER
157 Canal Street, Ellenville

From the 1930s through the 1990s, the Catskill Mountain Borscht Belt resorts doubled as a premier training ground for 20th-century boxing legends. Storied hotels like Grossinger's, Kutsher's, and the Concord hosted icons like Rocky Marciano, Muhammad Ali, and Joe Frazier, blending high-altitude conditioning with open-air public sparring for resort guests.

Documentary / 2025 / 54 min

Director: Evan Haiman

Q & A with director Evan Haiman and Boxing Historian & Owner, Untouchables Boxing (Liberty, NY), Jose Toledo.

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Sunday, November 8, 3:00 PM
Location: SHADOWLAND STAGES THEATER
157 Canal Street, Ellenville

Explores the life, career, and enduring comedic legacy of Mel Brooks.

Directed by Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio

Documentary / 2026 / 216 min

The two-part documentary runs deep, but fans of Brooks' work will enjoy the outtakes, interviews, and scenes cut from favorite films. Film to be screened in two parts.

Part One: ~ 107 minutes
- followed by a short break then as a special treat stay for the screening of....
Part Two: ~ 109minutes

A conversation with director Mike Bonfiglio.

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Thank you to our sponsors: BoldGold Media, City Winery and YMCA Ulster .