New York, N.Y. — Vlada Von Shats, the dynamic owner of Manhattan’s iconic Russian Samovar restaurant, steps into the spotlight beyond her renowned vodka curation and celebrity clientele with the documentary Mama Vlada.
Directed by Ellina Graypel, this 35-minute film chronicles Vlada’s evolution from immigrant restaurateur to a pivotal mother figure and advocate within New York City‘s LGBTQ+ community.
Mama Vlada: Sanctuary of Acceptance
The documentary will screen weekly at the Russian Samovar (256 W. 52nd St.) every Thursday in June, starting June 5th at 7:00 PM, followed by an after-party, as part of Pride Month celebrations. A $20 suggested donation includes refreshments, with cash bar available.
The film centers on Vlada Von Shats, proprietor of the former Vlada Lounge, one of the first upscale gay bars in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen, as well as the Theater District landmark Russian Samovar, co-founded by her stepfather Roman Kaplan with Mikhail Baryshnikov and Joseph Brodsky.
It is directed by Ellina Graypel, an award-winning Belarusian American artist, with original music by Maksim Tsvetovat.
- What: Mama Vlada is a documentary exploring Vlada’s personal journey and her decades-long support for the LGBTQ+ community, spurred by tragedy and solidified during the AIDS epidemic. It blends personal narrative, historical context, and original music to address themes of suicide prevention, combating homophobia, and fostering acceptance.
- When: Screenings occur every Thursday in June 2025 (June 5, 12, 19, 26), starting at 7:00 PM. The premiere preview occurred on May 24, 2025.
- Where: Screenings take place at Russian Samovar, 256 West 52nd Street, New York, NY.
- Why: The film aims to honor Vlada’s unwavering advocacy, amplify critical conversations around LGBTQ+ rights and mental health, challenge prejudice within specific cultural contexts (notably Russian-speaking communities), and celebrate the creation of safe, welcoming spaces like the Russian Samovar.
From Tragedy to Sanctuary
Vlada’s commitment stems from a profound personal loss experienced in her youth.
She shared with the documentary’s audience the heartbreaking story of her junior high school friend in her hometown who died by suicide.
“He hung himself wearing a dress in his mother’s closet,” Vlada recounted, explaining he felt utterly unable to cope with being gay in an unforgiving environment.
This traumatic event planted an early seed of understanding and a desire to combat the isolation and shame often forced upon LGBTQ+ individuals.
Answering a Community’s Need
Her resolve deepened dramatically upon arriving in New York City and witnessing the harsh realities faced by gay men, particularly during the height of the AIDS epidemic.
Vlada became a crucial source of support, offering not just a meal or a drink, but compassion, dignity, and maternal care to young men often abandoned by their families and society.
“I found the film to be raw, real, touching, as Vlada became a mother figure to young gay men during the AIDS epidemic,” noted philanthropist Jim Luce.
Concurrently, her experiences with the often-grimy conditions of some gay bars in the city fueled a specific vision: to create a beautiful, clean, and welcoming establishment where anyone, including one’s mother, could feel comfortable, implicitly conveying that “it’s okay to be gay.” Vlada’s Lounge thrived for a decade, closing just before the COVID pandemic.
While the Russian Samovar itself is not exclusively a gay bar, it evolved under Vlada’s stewardship into a renowned LGBTQ+-friendly haven, drawing comparisons to the late Elaine Kaufman and her legendary, now-closed Upper East Side establishment.
Music, Message, and Movement
Director Ellina Graypel, known for her award-winning compositions across rock-n-roll, jazz, and folk, infused the documentary with a distinctive sonic landscape. “The music of the film has its own vibe,” Graypel stated, utilizing her skills as a multi-instrumentalist (top instruments: harp and guitar) alongside Maksim Tsvetovat‘s original score to enhance the emotional resonance and narrative flow.
“Someone with a big heart made a film
about someone with a bigger heart.”
– New York State Assemblymember
“Misha” Novakhov of Brooklyn
A Legacy Celebrated, A Call to Continue
The screenings at the Russian Samovar during Pride Month offer a poignant homecoming for the film. The venue itself is a character in Vlada’s story – a place where artistic expression has thrived for decades, hosting legends from Liza Minnelli to Sting, and serving as a vital hub for fundraising, particularly for Ukraine in recent years.
The documentary solidifies Vlada’s legacy as a cultural curator and fearless advocate. The response has been significant, with Vlada noting an increase in her social media following since the film’s preview. Mama Vlada serves not just as a tribute but as a powerful reminder of the impact one individual’s compassion and courage can have.
It challenges viewers to examine their own understanding of humanity and the importance of standing up for marginalized voices. As the film asserts: Join the fight for equality. Stand for humanity.
For more information, write info@mamavladadocumentary
Mama Vlada: Film on LGBTQ+ Advocate’s Passionate Journey (May 30, 2025)
CALL TO ACTION
Attend a screening of Mama Vlada at Russian Samovar this June. Donate to
support LGBTQ+ youth suicide prevention organizations or local community centers.
Foster inclusive spaces in your own community.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
How do stories like Vlada’s impact the fight for LGBTQ+
acceptance, especially within diverse cultural communities?
What role do safe spaces play in supporting mental health?
75-Word Audio Summary:
“Discover the inspiring story of Vlada Von Shats in the documentary ‘Mama Vlada.’ As owner of New York’s Russian Samovar, Vlada became a crucial advocate and mother figure for the LGBTQ+ community, especially during the AIDS crisis. Driven by a friend’s tragic suicide, she dedicated herself to creating safe, welcoming spaces. The film, directed by Ellina Graypel, screens weekly in June at the restaurant. Learn how one woman’s compassion ignited a movement for acceptance and equality.”
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#EllinaGraypel #VladaVonShats #SafeSpaces #SuicidePrevention #NYCPride
Tags: Vlada Von Shats, Russian Samovar, Ellina Graypel, Mama Vlada documentary, Russian community
NYC, LGBTQ+ rights, homophobia, New York City, Pride Month 2025, AIDS epidemic, suicide prevention
cultural advocacy, safe spaces, restaurant culture, film screening, human rights, immigration story
