Expired October 4, 2021 3:59 AM
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Synopsis: KINDERLAND tells the story of two progressive Jewish summer camps in upstate New York that have cultivated social activists for almost a century and are still in existence today. Both were founded by secular working-class Jews on either side of the leftist political divide. Kinderland was communist; Kinder Ring, socialist. Despite numerous commonalities, they enjoyed a legendary feud from opposite ends of Sylvan Lake—a comically unlikely battle ground for an ideological war. Many original alumni became leaders in the early fight for civil rights and in the American labor movement. In response to the Trump era and the accompanying rise in intolerance and inequality, today’s campers, a largely secular multi-ethnic group, prioritize shared values over philosophical differences and attempt to join forces. The history of strife between two leftist organizations is emblematic of the division that is plaguing our nation; and their attempt at unity is universally inspiring.


Director's Bio: Amy Grappell’s documentary QUADRANGLE won a jury prize at Sundance (2010) and Best Short Film at SXSW, AFI and Dallas Film Festivals, before being broadcast on HBO.

  • Year
    2021
  • Runtime
    31:00
  • Language
    English
  • Country
    United States
  • Premiere
    World Premiere
  • Director
    Amy Grappell
  • Producer
    Amy Grappell, Jessica Wolfson, Jason Wehling
  • Executive Producer
    Louis Black, Chris Mattsson, Chris Krager
  • Cast
    Maddy Simon, Judee Rosenbaum, Gerald Palevsky, Fanny Jacobson, Sandra Goldstein Lehnert
  • Cinematographer
    Lucas Millard, Dan Gold
  • Editor
    Drew DeNicola, Lexi Henigman, Karen Skloss
  • Composer
    Jeff Burke