The 2nd Annual Borscht Belt Film Fest takes place Friday, October 31st through Sunday, November 2nd in Ellenville, NY. One of the main events will take place on the first evening when comedian Judy Gold will be honored with the first ever Mensch Award. Included is a seriously intimate and casual chat with Gold about her extensive career and how her Jewish identity and the Borscht Belt shaped it. Moderated by Alan Katz, Founder & CEO of The Mountains Media. After a Q&A, Gold will sign her book about freedom of speech, “Yes I Can Say That: When They Come for The Comedians We Are All in Trouble“. For the full schedule of screenings and special events visit the festival’s website. I also have the film festival’s director Melody Gilbert and programmer Jay Blotcher on this episode for a lively conversation about what you can expect to see later this month.

Photo credit: Justine Ungaro