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Deep Dive: Casa Susanna (2023)

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Casa Susanna
Casa Susanna is a documentary directed by Sébastien Lifshitz that focuses on the history of a private resort in the Catskills region of New York. This resort served as a safe space for transgender women and heterosexual cross-dressing men during the early 1960s, prior to the LGBT liberation movement. The film captures personal stories and experiences of the individuals who frequented Casa Susanna, providing insight into their lives during a time of societal stigma. The film premiered at the 79th Venice International Film Festival on August 31, 2022, and later at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, 2022. It aired on American Experience on June 27, 2023, allowing a wider audience to engage with the narratives of those who found community and acceptance at Casa Susanna.

Why Watch

  • •Meet Christine Jorgensen, a notable figure in the film.
  • •Find out about a unique 1960s resort in the Catskills.
  • •See personal stories from a marginalized community.

Did You Know

•Casa Susanna was a haven for transgender women and cross-dressing men in the early 1960s.
•The film premiered at the Venice International Film Festival on August 31, 2022.
•It had its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, 2022.
•The documentary has a runtime of 97 minutes.

Perfect For

LGBTQ+ history1960s cultureDocumentary enthusiasts