JIFF: We Met at Grossinger's

This film is also showing at our sister cinemas, Lido Cinemas and Ritz Cinemas

We Met at Grossinger's

“...an inspiring affirmation of the American Dream, female empowerment, and the importance of diversity in the face of intolerance.” – Forbes

NSW Premiere

We Met at Grossinger’s is an immersive journey through the Jewish Catskills—once known as the Borscht Belt— that lovingly revives the iconic resort that inspired Dirty Dancing and defined an era of Jewish American life.

Founded by the legendary Jennie Grossinger – the “Queen of Hospitality” – the resort laid the groundwork for the shaping of Jewish American identity and the evolution of American entertainment. Through newly unearthed archival footage, animation and first-hand accounts, this documentary brings to life a mid-century phenomenon that united immigrants, sports figures, politicians and movie stars, from its dazzling rise to its bittersweet fall.

With an unabashedly joyful female lens, We Met at Grossinger’s is a lovingly crafted time capsule of three generations of visionary Jewish women and the glittering sanctuary they fostered for those excluded from America’s elite leisure culture.

Festival Appearances/Awards
DOC NYC 2025 – World Premiere
Atlanta Jewish Film Festival 2026 – Closing Night Film

Rating

Unclassified 15+

Duration

104 min

Country

United States

Language

English

Director

Paula Eiselt