NEW YORK – From the iconic tables of Manhattan’s Russian Samovar to the big screen, Mama Vlada—the award-winning documentary directed by acclaimed international performer, composer, and musician Ellina Graypel—brings the extraordinary story of Vlada Von Shats to audiences at the historic Kent Theater, 1170 Coney Island Ave, Brooklyn, NY, February 6 – 12. Tickets available on Fandango.com and at the Kent Theater.
Filmed in the heart of Manhattan, where Broadway’s glow meets the hum of NYC, Mama Vlada is a moving portrait of resilience, artistic spirit, and boundless compassion. As the longtime matriarch of the Russian Samovar, Vlada has created a haven where kindness, culture, cuisine, and community thrive. The documentary captures this legacy with deep emotional clarity, celebrating her not only as a beloved restaurateur, but as a spirited advocate for marginalized communities and human rights.
“Someone with a big heart made a film about someone with a bigger heart.”
—NY State Assemblyman M. Novakhov
Graypel is Belarusian American composer, director, singer, songwriter, and a multi- instrumentalist. An advocate for human rights as well as world music and Jewish women in the music community, she’s a member of the Recording Academy and author of 700+ compositions for rock ‘n’ roll, jazz, and folk ensembles, musicals, and films. Her music awards including InterContinental Music Awards, Crystal Star Awards, Global Music Awards, and many more.
A powerful human-interest film, Mama Vlada, was accepted in the Cannes Marketplace and has already received significant acclaim:
- NY Short Awards — Best Human Rights Film
- LA Movie & Music Video Awards — Winner
- Belgrade International Film Festival 2026 — Official Selection
- HollyShorts Dubai Film Festival — Best First Time Director
“Mama Vlada is a portrait of courage, love, and community,” stated director Ellina Graypel. “Vlada Von Shats has been a guiding force for so many—from artists and immigrants to LGBTQ+ youth. Her story needed to be shared, and I am honored to have directed a film that does justice to her legacy.”
Emmy Award winner Patrice Samara served as Editorial Consultant on the documentary because of her longstanding commitment to amplifying powerful, underrepresented voices and ensuring their stories are told with clarity and integrity. Her editorial guidance helped shape the film’s narrative into a compelling testament to resilience and truth.
Graypel’s exquisite musical talent shines through the memorable music score elevating the documentary by infusing it with emotional depth. Weaving an aural tapestry deepening every frame, her music becomes a powerful narrative force, echoing the film’s heart and humanity carrying its truths on currents of emotion and grace.
ABOUT RUSSIAN SAMOVAR
Celebrating more than 40 years, Russian Samovar, 256 West 52nd Street, NYC, has been more than a dining destination—it’s a cultural landmark where artists, performers, writers, and intellectuals converge…and now the film Mama Vlada. The space, originally Jilly’s Canteen, was frequented by Frank Sinatra and The Rat Pack and still features its signature red banquettes, original bar, and artwork contributed by generations of loyal patrons. Entering a new era in 1986, Roman Kaplan acquired the property, joined by legendary dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov and Nobel Prize–winning poet Joseph Brodsky. Today with Vlada Von Shats at the helm, guests can enjoy Baryshnikov’s baby grand piano, dine at the famed Brodsky Table, or reserve the private room featured in Sex and the City.
