Movie spotlight
The Sturgeon Queens
Four generations of a Jewish immigrant family create Russ and Daughters, a Lower East Side lox and herring emporium that survives and thrives. Produced to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the store, this documentary features an extensive interview with two of the original daughters for whom the store was named, now 100 and 92 years old, and interviews with prominent enthusiasts of the store including Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, actress Maggie Gyllenhaal, chef Mario Batali, New Yorker writer Calvin Trillin, and 60 Minutes correspondent Morley Safer. Rather than a conventional narrator, the filmmakers bring together six colorful longtime fans of the store, in their 80s and 90s, who sit around a table of fish reading the script in the style of a passover Seder. - Written by Julie Cohen
Insights
Plot Summary
This short documentary explores the lives and enduring friendship of three sisters, Esther, Sally, and Shirley, who have been operating their family's deli in New York City for decades. It offers a heartwarming glimpse into their daily routines, their shared history, and the deep bond that has sustained them and their business. The film celebrates their unique personalities and the legacy they continue to uphold.
Critical Reception
The Sturgeon Queens was widely praised for its charming and intimate portrayal of sisterhood and tradition. Critics lauded its warmth, humor, and authentic depiction of a New York institution, highlighting its ability to capture the essence of family and the passage of time. Audience reception was equally positive, with many finding the film deeply moving and relatable.
What Reviewers Say
A heartwarming and humorous look at sisterhood and a beloved family business.
Offers an authentic and intimate portrait of a New York institution.
Celebrates tradition, family legacy, and enduring friendship.
Google audience: N/A
Awards & Accolades
Screened at various film festivals, including the Tribeca Film Festival.
Fun Fact
The deli featured in the film, Zabar's, is a real and iconic Upper West Side establishment in New York City, known for its gourmet foods and legendary status.
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