Movies

Discover How ‘The Floaters’ Celebrates Jewish Identity and Embraces Outcasts!

BBG News

As a movie buff, I’m thrilled to share that “The Floaters” recently made its debut at Bentonville Film Festival. This film takes us on an authentic summer journey, deeply rooted in Judaism, with a heartfelt theme about the marginalized. The story revolves around a Jewish summer camp, where the focus is squarely on a group of unconventional outcasts known as “The Floaters.” These individuals are brought together and placed under the watchful eye of Nomi, portrayed by Jackie Tohn, who’s new to the camp and dealing with her own personal struggles.

In line with its premiere at the film festival, TopMob conducted a series of exclusive interviews with its cast to shed light on the film’s distinctive and moving storyline.

Seth Green, portraying Daniel – a wealthy leader of a rival camp – commented that he believes the film “certainly showcases an authentic array of characters who are Jewish.” Co-star Nina Bloomgarden (as Lindsey, a girl ostracized by many in the camp) expressed her excitement saying it was “really fascinating to step onto set and discover everyone has a unique background.

For actress Jackie Tohn, what appeared to captivate her the most about its depiction of Judaism was how it’s “simply an entertaining tale that just so happens to involve Jewish characters,” and that the narrative doesn’t delve deeply into political matters.

Director Rachel Israel shared that she desired a movie depicting the Jewish community to showcase diversity in all its aspects, including thoughts and backgrounds. She also emphasized from her personal perspective as a Jew that there isn’t just one way to embody Jewishness.

We conversed with a full roster of talent, consisting of Jackie Tohn (Nomi), Seth Green (Daniel), Judah Lewis (Jonah), Nina Bloomgarden (Lindsey), Sarah Podemski (Mara), and director Rachel Israel. “The Floaters” recently debuted at Bentonville Film Festival in Arkansas on June 18, but as of now, there’s no set release date for the film.

How The Floaters Explores Judaism In a Unique and Refreshing Way

“It Demonstrates an Accurately Diverse Landscape of People That Are Jewish.”

  • TopMob: “Another strong point of the film is how it handles, expresses, and explores Judaism. In your mind, how would you say that this movie does all that you know in unique and engaging ways?”

Jackie Tohn: I absolutely adore it. I believe it offers a truly exceptional encounter. Currently, we’re at the Bentonville film festival, debuting our movie, and the woman who conducted our Q&A last night expressed it so elegantly that I wish I had recorded it. I was struck by it, thinking, “I must remember this.” In essence, it’s a delightful, inspiring, affectionate camp adventure viewed through a Jewish perspective. So, if you’ve been to camp, you’ll certainly feel the connection, and even if you haven’t, you can relate to it.

This film is reminiscent of summer camp movies such as “Meatballs” and “White Hot American Summer,” even if you never attended a summer camp. I found it interesting that the interviewer, who isn’t from a Jewish background, still found the movie relatable and enjoyable to watch.

The film is not only entertaining and enjoyable, but it also takes place within a Jewish context. This means that while it’s accessible to everyone, it touches on the unique traditions and experiences of Jewish culture. In other words, it’s a movie for everyone, but with a distinctive Jewish flavor.

In a different wording, Sarah shared this last night, and I’m about to borrow it, but it seems that a significant portion of Jewish narratives revolve around our experiences as the underdogs and the hardships we face, which, unfortunately, are historically accurate. This includes tales from World War II, stories about the Holocaust, and accounts of Jewish resilience. However, let’s make it clear that this particular story, happening among Jews, is more lighthearted… We’re not delving too deep into politics here. Instead, it’s a lively, tasty, express-yourself tale set at a Jewish summer camp.

Seth Green: Wow, I hadn’t given it much thought before. However, it certainly presents an authentic depiction of diverse individuals who are Jewish, and isn’t it true that some propaganda can be too forceful and offensive? Yet, the accurate portrayal of Judaism’s historical teachings and practices, without trying to make a statement or force a point, is in itself a significant achievement, right?

Now, we’ll be demonstrating the traditional ceremony for you. We’re going to light these candles and preserve the food and drink that everyone will enjoy. Essentially, this is meant to unite us all, providing a moment for reflection before the event commences.

I believe the movie effectively portrays this aspect in a way that shouldn’t feel uncomfortable or jarring, unlike simply stating that this is their everyday life.

Nina Bloomgarden expressed that it was truly fascinating to step onto the set, as everyone came from diverse backgrounds, having been raised in various homes – some more secular, spiritual, or religious. This variety, she found, was really intriguing. Being half Jewish and half Guatemalan herself, she had the opportunity to connect with many individuals sharing similar roots, a group that is not very numerous in wider society. Although they exist, it often feels like we’re passing each other by.

Engaging with individuals who share a similar sense of not quite fitting into specific groups, as I often find myself, was incredibly comforting, enjoyable, and entertaining. It felt like a therapeutic experience.

Sarah Podemski remarks that being an indigenous actress as well as a Jewish one, she notices that stories become more impactful when they are told in a precise manner. This particular film, she says, is unique because it offers a very specific perspective on the Jewish summer camp experience, including its politics, which she has not seen before in any other movie.

Moreover, it’s not common to encounter such a large number of Jewish characters on screen. I face the same challenge in my work within the Native community. Occasionally, there might be one or two Jewish characters, but this production is extraordinary as it showcases an entire cast of Jewish actors spanning multiple generations. Legends like Steve Kuhnberg and Seth Green are present, alongside rising stars such as Jackie [Tohn] and Aya [Cash], and a remarkable group of young, new actors. It’s truly fascinating to witness this generational narrative unfold.

As a movie enthusiast, let me share my thoughts: I had the pleasure of conversing with Steve, and was genuinely astounded by his long-standing career as a Jewish actor bearing such an identifiably Jewish name. It’s truly inspiring to witness the persistence of a career spanning so many decades, especially when it includes trailblazers like him and offers a platform for the new generation of performers. This unique blend of old and new talent is one of the most special aspects of this film.

Rachel Israel: For me, when considering a movie about the Jewish community, I was hoping for a broad representation of diversity – in thoughts, backgrounds, and every aspect possible. To me, being Jewish is not about conforming to a single identity; instead, it’s characterized by our unique differences, particularly our capacity to respectfully navigate our diverse viewpoints. In the Jewish world, there is no uniformity.

Being an Outcast and What That Means to Everyone’s Characters

Every Character in ‘The Floaters’ Relates to Being an Outcast, Even Those You Don’t Expect

In “The Floaters,” Jackie Tohn embodies Nomi, a lady undergoing a tumultuous separation from her band, unexpectedly finding herself assisting at Camp Daveed upon the urging of her cherished friend, Mara.

Tohn shared with TopMob that Nomi, the film’s character, is an outcast. The movie emphasizes this by illustrating that “It’s alright to be different:” or simply put, “It’s okay to stand out.

Jackie Tohn: Nomi appears to be an outcast, yet she seems to have chosen this path herself. As we mature, many of us may find ourselves deliberately distancing ourselves from the mainstream. When we’re young, we yearn to fit in with the norm, and at times it can feel uncomfortable. For me, I always felt like an outsider as a child, but I didn’t necessarily dislike it. It just felt different, which I realized later on.

In a different setting, it could read: Everybody seemed to be pushing towards being the same homogenized group, which I neither identified with nor had the ability to join, even if I wanted to. As an adult, I realized I had the freedom to choose my identity and not conform to what others were doing. Nomi, however, took this a step further and decided to embrace her uniqueness wholeheartedly. In my 20s, I too tried to be unconventional, making a statement. Now in my 40s, I’ve found a balance, acknowledging that I am simply who I am – having arrived at this point in life.

Well, let me put it this way as a movie enthusiast: Nomi, at her core, is an individual who doesn’t quite fit the mold. And through her experiences in the film, she learns to embrace that outsider status. But here’s the kicker – it’s not just about being comfortable with being different; it’s about being true to yourself, whether that means waving your unique flag high and proud. In essence, that’s the message I took away from the movie.

The actress elaborated that Nomi was ideally suited for the task when it came to assembling the band of misfits residing at the camp called The Floaters.

Tohn: She’s ideally suited for the task at hand, whether she acknowledges it or not. When she first arrives, there’s a moment where she might seem unsure about her surroundings. She wonders what this place is like and how others here operate. Then they start talking about Meisner techniques, trained actors from Juilliard, and asking her to repeat things. At that point, she expresses doubt, but then she begins to offer suggestions for what they could do. Essentially, she asserts herself as the one in charge.

Then, she suddenly understands, “Wow, I guess it’s up to me. I’ve got to take charge.” For a brief moment, there’s a pause as if she’s taking a deep breath, and then she says something like, “Oh dear.” After that, she confidently takes control and declares, “Here’s what we’re going to work on today. Here’s your task, here’s what I expect you to bring back. These activities are designed to help you find your own voice, and let’s all explore our creativity fearlessly together.” As she speaks, she sees a reflection of herself in each student, and they in her.

TopMob’s full interview with Jackie Tohn can be seen here:

Seth Green’s character, Daniel from Camp Barak, is shunned by others because of his behavior. Green describes him as someone who actively seeks out what is most popular or mainstream.

Seth Green seems to come across as someone who embraces the most popular trends, considering himself well-informed and part of the inner circle. However, I believe a significant portion of this image is self-made, stemming from his habitually harsh criticism and derogatory remarks towards others and everything he discusses.

The actor further commented, expressing his belief that Daniel is “someone who seems to lack genuine emotional responses.

Green: I believe he might be one of those individuals who appears to lack genuine human emotions. You understand my meaning, correct? For instance, I’ve encountered people who prioritize wealth and status over everything else, and it seems as though they struggle to connect with the innate desires to love or even experience giving and receiving affection, don’t you agree?

Seth Green’s entire discussion with TopMob can be viewed here:

At camp, Nina Bloomgarden portrays Lindsey, a young woman who’s often ostracized due to rumors that she once reported a camp counselor for misconduct, leading to their dismissal. Consequently, Lindsey finds herself in a position where she is shunned and considered an outcast by many at the camp.

Bloomgarden admitted that she “related to a lot of what [Lindsey] was going through at that age:”

Nina Bloomgarden: When I went through this script, I found myself connecting deeply with the experiences she was depicting at her age. At a certain stage in life, it seems like your friendships can take one of two paths: either you continue following the companionship from your childhood or you start to carve out your own path. This transition can be quite agonizing and is part of growing up. I identified strongly with this predicament, especially as she portrays her character as an outsider…

Although Lindsey isn’t popular among many at Camp Daveed, she continues to attend each year. This is due to the fact that, despite the complexities, she views it as her “‘secure haven:’

In simpler terms, Bloomgarden is saying that although losing one’s footing, grounding, and connections with people can be challenging, he admires this woman because she doesn’t let go of her sense of safety. This camp seems to serve as a refuge for her, even when it may not feel that way currently. Instead of retreating or hiding, she chooses to confront the situation head-on. She is courageous and determined to deal with whatever happened, or at least face it fearlessly. He believes it’s crucial to persist in what one truly believes in…

Nina Gardenbloom’s full interview with TopMob can be seen here:

Mara serves as the head at Camp Daveed. Interpreted by Sarah Podemski, this role embodies a person who frequently caters to others’ needs. In an unusual manner, this trait can be seen as a form of self-exclusion or isolation.

In simpler terms, Sarah Podemski believes that Mara is a people-pleaser as a subtle form of feeling like an outcast. Instead of openly rebelling or distancing herself, she tends to take charge and manage everything meticulously. Despite not appearing as an outcast, Sarah thinks that Mara is striving hard to meet her family’s high standards and make them proud. At times, she might struggle with feelings of inadequacy, like an impostor, about living up to these expectations. It’s fascinating how people express their unique coping mechanisms differently.

Podemski elaborated further, stating that Mara carries a significant burden, being one of the crucial figures in our society who sustains and strengthens our communities.

During my time, I served as a summer camp counselor at a Jewish camp that was in need of repair. Yet, despite its dilapidated state, my primary concern was always ensuring the safety, well-being, and lives of the children under my care, which is evident from her opening remarks.

…additionally, there’s the burden of tradition and accountability, as well as the bond with culture and faith. It involves ensuring the community flourishes and instilling inspiration in the children simultaneously. As a result, it’s quite a substantial task…

This individual isn’t merely acting like someone who is anxious without cause; she carries a significant burden on her. In other words, she shoulders the weight of the world. It’s not uncommon to find people like this, as they often bear the responsibility for our communities. And, given the current circumstances, it’s certainly no easy task.

Watch the full interview with TopMob and The Floater‘s Sarah Podemski below:

According to Judah Lewis, his portrayal of Jonah aligns well with the concept of an outsider. He attributes this fit to the character’s slightly cynical and potentially jaded demeanor.

Judah Lewis: Doesn’t it seem like Jonah’s character slots perfectly well into this storyline? He initially appears somewhat skeptical and perhaps a bit disillusioned. However, it’s through the guidance and camaraderie of the other characters that he discovers his voice. Thus, I believe the narrative emphasizes the power of such a supportive network.

One distinct trait about Jonah is his ability to confront bullies more effectively than most in their group of outcasts, but it’s important to note that he’s far from flawless. Lewis believes this courage comes from an inner confidence or swagger, and that Jonah has erected numerous barriers for self-protection over time.

In Lewis’ opinion, the character seems to display a certain level of boldness or self-confidence, which might be a facade. Additionally, Lewis suggests that this individual has constructed numerous barriers around himself as a form of self-defense. These defenses are employed positively when he confronts bullies, but they can also hinder him from forming meaningful connections with others, particularly at the beginning of the film.

In an open discussion, director Rachel Israel delved deeper into the central themes of the film “The Floaters,” revealing her intent to portray an unlikely gathering forging a robust bond.

Rachel Israel: A key idea presented in the movie revolves around community and, more specifically, around The Floaters – a diverse group of individuals who don’t quite fit into their community. Despite this, they are even more different from each other. I hope that viewers reflect on the question of how such an eclectic group, made up of strong individuals, can still come together as a community. It’s not always straightforward.

The entire discussion with both Judah Lewis and Rachel Israel can be enjoyed here:

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2025-06-20 20:37

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