Released theatrically by First Run Features
Haunted by the past but driven by an unquenchable passion for living, an aging group of Holocaust survivors gathers each summer at an idyllic hideaway in the Catskills, where they savor tightly bonded friendships, find new love and celebrate their survival. Directed by New York Times journalist Andrew Jacobs, and beautifully filmed by a team of cinematographers led by the legendary documentary pioneer Albert Maysles (Gimme Shelter, Grey Gardens), Four Seasons Lodge is an inspiring and surprisingly funny film that captures what may be the last summer together for this remarkable group of survivors as the fate of their beloved bungalow colony hangs in the balance.
The film premiered theatrically at New York’s IFC Center and played at more than a hundred venues across the U.S. and Canada including the Quad Cinemas and Symphony Space in New York, Coolidge Corner in Boston, the Laemmle Cinemas in Los Angeles, The Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago, Cleveland Museum of Art, Jacob Burns Film Center, Salt Lake City Film Center, Houston Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York, and many others. It was released on DVD and on digital platforms, including iTunes and Netflix, and was broadcast on PBS stations.
Director: Andrew Jacobs
Cinematography Lead: Albert Maysles
Supervising Editor: Kim Connell
Writers: Andrew Jacobs & Kim Connell
Produced in association with Rainlake
2008, 97 minutes
Reviews
“Surprising, joyous … inspirational in unexpected ways.” – Los Angeles Times
“Gorgeously photographed … the awesome spectacle of life” – The New York Times
“heartbreaking and poignant and adorable” – The Guardian
“Pitch-perfect film … life affirming and touching” – New York Post
“The funniest Holocuast-themed doc yet made … warmly entertaining, beautiful.” – Time Out New York
“Like a funny visit with your grandparents multiplied by a dozen.” – New York Magazine – Critics Pick!
“Spectacular cinema verite … an extraordinary accomplishment, a subtle yet unforgettable experience that is one of the best films of the decade.” – This Week in New York
“Film poetry … surprisingly illuminates the ineffable.” – Slant Magazine
“Packs more wisdom than the best therapy session … a poignant tribute to a generation who endured the worst man has to offer, but never let it spoil their faith in each other, or humanity.” – Washington Times
“An exquisite observational documentary … This film does exactly what we want it to: It lets us get to know these people as they are. And they are wonderful.” – Documentary Magazine
“Quietly powerful” – The Oregonian
“Simply heartwarming” – Hartford Courant
“A must-see” – Newsday
Honors & Festival Highlights
Grand Jury Prize nomination, Silverdocs AFI Festival
Winner, Best Feature Documentary, Miami Jewish Film Festival
Winner, CINE Golden Eagle Award for Documentary Feature
Official Selection, Watch Docs Warsaw Poland
Official Selection, Hamptons International Film Festival
Official Selection, Provincetown International Film Festival
Official Selection, Mill Valley Film Festival
Official Selection, UK Jewish Film Festival