The Floaters, a spirited new comedy directed by Rachel Israel, centres on a struggling musician who reluctantly takes a summer job at a Jewish camp and becomes embroiled in a fight to preserve its future. The film opens in cinemas on 12 August and presents a warm, multigenerational portrait of camp life.
Premise and stakes
The story follows Nomi, portrayed by Jackie Tohm, a musician recently forced out of her rock band. She accepts a last-resort position at Camp Daveed, recruited by her ambitious friend Mara, played by Sarah Podemski. The camp — home to a motley group known as the “Floaters” — faces a looming crisis when the director confronts a costly septic problem, reported to require $30,000 in repairs. To raise funds and secure the camp’s future, the group must triumph in a stage production contest against a rival establishment led by a character portrayed by Seth Green.
Cast, context and production
Alongside Tohm, Podemski and Green, viewers will spot cameo appearances from Steve Guttenberg and Jonathan Silverman. The film was shot at a New York summer camp the filmmakers once attended; the child actors stayed in the bunks during production to capture an authentic atmosphere.
- Lead actors: Jackie Tohm (Nomi), Sarah Podemski (Mara)
- Notable cameos: Seth Green, Steve Guttenberg, Jonathan Silverman
- Director: Rachel Israel
- Theatrical release date: 12 August
“I could not believe I was acting in the same film with such legends,” Podemski said.
Podemski’s own background informs her performance; born to a mother of Saulteaux heritage and a father from Kfar Saba, Israel, she was raised in a Jewish environment and attended Camp Shomira in Perth, Ontario. She described the role as a natural fit, and recalled the surreal pleasure of sharing scenes with established screen figures.
Themes and reception
Framed across generations, the film explores tensions between ambition and community, and the ways people leave their mark while building connections. Reviewers and early viewers have noted the movie’s affectionate, offbeat tone and its focus on the diversity within contemporary Jewish camp culture.
Cast and credits at a glance
| Role | Performer |
|---|---|
| Nomi | Jackie Tohm |
| Mara | Sarah Podemski |
| Rival camp leader | Seth Green |
| Cameos | Steve Guttenberg, Jonathan Silverman |
| Director | Rachel Israel |
For audiences drawn to character-driven comedies that celebrate community and cultural specificity, The Floaters promises a warm, humorous take on the rituals and rivalries of summer camp life. The film also arrives as part of a broader moment for its performers: Tohm has recently gained attention for a role in a Netflix comedy series, while Podemski’s casting underscores an intersection of Indigenous and Israeli Jewish backgrounds seldom foregrounded together on screen. The movie’s August release will test whether its earnest charm and ensemble performances resonate widely at the box office.
