Esther Weintraub, a former model, is a feisty resident of a Jewish nursing home in San Francisco. She is also a stand up comedian who becomes a “sit-down” comedian as she ages. Esther began her stage career as a violinist in a Jewish mandolin orchestra in Canada and moved to New York in her teens, where her modeling career flourished.

Now a grandmother, Esther is befriended by Lisa Geduldig, a Jewish lesbian comedian and comedy producer, who swaps jokes with her and squires her to the theatre, including a trip to a drag show. Although separated by almost 50 years of age, Esther and Lisa are oddly similar; Esther says, with obvious delight, “we have the same sick humor!” Lisa brings Esther back onstage professionally at the age of 87, at an event she produces, “Funny Girlz: A Smorgasbord of Women’s Humor,” where Esther receives a standing ovation.

First time filmmaker, Lisa Geduldig, captures the essence of intergenerational camaraderie with humor and pathos. ESTHER & ME is a testament to the power and pleasure of shared laughter.

Nancy K. Fishman

Jewish Film Festival Berlin

April 29, 2010

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In 2002, first time director Lisa Geduldig met nursing home resident Esther Weintraub and a unique friendship was born. A “hands down” favorite of the film festival screening committee, this touching and hilarious film spotlights San Francisco Jewish nursing home resident Esther Weintraub. A funny, feisty, politically-minded, former model and stand-up comedian, Esther is seen through the eyes of her new best friend, comedian/comedy producer, Lisa Geduldig.

Palm Beach Jewish Film Festival 

December 2011