The People’s Bubbie

The story centers Shatzi, a 92-year-old Jewish “anti-Zionist dyke,” and her community of young activists in Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP). Raised by a lesbian couple in the 1930s, Shatzi fought redlining in her youth, was a nurse for 47-years, advocated for AIDS patients with ACT-UP, and from the 1980s spoke out for Palestinian rights. Yet, Shatzi was known as “difficult” in her social circles. She never had a lasting romance, struggled with acceptance, and was an unsung leader. That is, until the younger queer and trans-led community of JVP in New York City embraced her, bringing joy to her final years.

 
This “collective documentary,” pulls back the curtain behind “The People’s Bubbie” to reveal the emotional labor behind building an intergenerational Jewish anti-Zionist queer movement—now under threat from powerful political forces. The film begins with Shatzi’s last month alive and her death. We meet her beloved queer community, including Elena Stein (JVP’s lead organizer), Morgan Bassichis, and Jay Saper, as they move from mourning Shatzi’s death in 2022 to building a Jewish American opposition to Israel’s genocide in 2023 and beyond. Shatzi’s memory continues to inspire them. But how will they withstand the trials to come?

ARTIST STATEMENT

Our Team

In 2022, Fivel Rothberg, co-director and producer, had the honor of getting to know Shatzi Weisberger in the month before she died. He fell in love with Shatzi because she felt like a family member he never had – an ancestor who embraced the struggle for justice, aiming to stop genocide. Her chosen family cared for her in ways we all deserve, in life, death, and memory. Fivel produced “Island Soldier,” a film about Micronesian citizens who served in the US military but returned home to no VA benefits, doctors, or mental health support. He served as a producer on a film about the Nakba called “Lyd,” now making its way around festivals and theaters. “The People’s Bubbie” is the culmination of his values, skills, and access to a community he is part of. 

Julia Sharpe-Levine, co-director, employs film, theater, audio journalism, and visual art to support social justice. Their tenure at the African American Policy Forum highlighted the impact of nuanced storytelling in mobilizing communities and fostering broader perspectives. Aligned with their passion, purpose, and identities, “The People’s Bubbie” is a perfect fit. 

Gemma Weiner, archival producer, was born and raised in NYC with 7 years of experience in documentary television and film. Her work has been featured on WNYC, Peacock, NBC, BET, A&E, Lifetime, and The History Channel. She is an avid lover of thrift store ephemera, the New York Knicks, and most cats.

Lucy Little, composer, creates music driven by storytelling and community. They’ve scored Audible Originals like “Daddies” (2022) and “Marrow” (2023), and performed at On Air Fest 2024, The Public Theater, and NPR Tiny Desk, among others. Lucy has a Master’s from the New England Conservatory and a U.S. Fulbright.

Advisors: 

• Kelly Anderson, filmmaker (Emergent City, My Brooklyn)
• Kyle Crichton, editor (Sabbath Queen) 
• Solomon J. Brager, author (Heavyweight)
• Ariel Goldberg, author + curator (The Estrangement Principle) 
• Jyllian Gunther, producer (Swiping America, The Last Defense)
• Jia Li, editor + cinematographer