The Second Annual Borscht Belt Film Festival starts Friday. This is a festival set in and highlighting the place where so many people used to go for vacation and see all the big stars of the day. (It was the entertainment capital of the world before Vegas stole the title).
While this isn't the biggest film festival in the world, it is a wonderfully programmed one. I've seen a bunch of films, though I haven't reviewed them ( some of the films are before Unseen was created and you don't need my words on DIRTY DANCING), and I can say the selection of films is excellent (The shorts that I've seen are really good). You need to buy tickets and go.
While I can't say much more I do want to say a couple things about two films.
CASA SUSANNA is glorious. Its about a place where people could go to be themselves. I've seen it a couple of times and it has moved me each time.
Not that anyone cares but I am in Martin Ritt's THE FRONT . I'm an extra so unless you know where to look you won't see me, but I am there. Personal connection aside the film is an excellent one. It is one of the rare films that Woody Allen was in in which he didn't write and direct it. Set during the Red Scare, the film follows Allen's character who acts as a front for black listed writers. He becomes friends with a comic who was big on the Borscht Belt played by Zero Mostel. It's not a funny film, and some of what hqappens will break your heart. It's a great film and if you've never seen it you should go.
And for now that's all I have to say other than to say if you can go, do so.
For more details and tickets go here
Thank you for this enthusiastic post. We at the Borscht Belt Film Fest are grateful.
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