A new 4K restoration from the original negative of Joan Micklin Silver’s theatrical feature debut. Gitl (Carol Kane in her Academy Award nominated role) and her son arrive on the lower East side of New York in 1896 to join her husband Jake (Steven Keats). While Jake, who has a job in a sweatshop and an English-speaking girlfriend, has completely embraced America, Gitl clings to her old country ways. Jake is embarrassed to be seen with her as he struggles to assimilate by shedding his ethnic heritage. Gitl finds a way to become victor instead of victim.

Join us as our very own Cristina Garcia introduces a special screening of Joan Micklin Silver’s HESTER STREET + Q&A in partnership with UK Jewish Film at Curzon Mayfair on Sunday 24 April, 3pm, following the screening there’ll also be post screening talk with Julia Wagner and Peter Bradshaw.

 In 2011, Hester Street was added to the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress.