Mama Vlada Premiering May 24th @
In the heart of NYC, one woman’s journey ignites a movement.
Mama Vlada
Directed by Ellina Graypel
Featuring Vlada Von Shats
Join Vlada Von Shats, the spirited owner of a beloved New York City gay bar, as she shares her remarkable path into human rights activism. This powerful 35-minute documentary, directed by Ellina Graypel, blends vibrant storytelling and original music to address critical issues such as suicide prevention, AIDS hysteria, and homophobia—both within small cultural communities and on a global scale.
Through a rich, musical lens, Mama Vlada challenges our understanding of humanity, offering profound insights into the struggles and triumphs of marginalized voices.
Join the fight for equality. Stand for humanity.
Ellina Graypel
is an award-winning singer, songwriter, film director, producer, composer, and lyricist. She is an advocate for world music.
Ellina Graypel is a Belarusian American artist. She also advocates for Jewish women in music as well as human rights. She is a member of Recording Academy and an author of more than 700 compositions for rock n roll, jazz, and folk ensembles, as well as musicals and short films She holds several international music awards, including Crystal Star at Atlantis Film Festival , Global Music Awards, as well as Best Composer Awards, and many more. She is a multi instrumentalist. Her top instruments are harp and guitar . Ellina's performance resume includes venues; Carnegie Hall, Webster Hall, Hammerstein Ballroom, Irving Plaza, Rockwood Music Hall, Don Hills, and many more. She performs National Anthem self arranged for harp and vocals at the legendary Cyclone stadium in New York City annually.
Vlada Von Shats
restaurateur, cultural curator, and advocate for artistic expression
Vlada Von Shats was born in the former Soviet Union and moved to New York City with her family in 1978 when she was 12 years old. As a young immigrant, she quickly adapted to the vibrant pace of life in America, and by 21, she found herself deeply involved in Russian Samovar, a historic restaurant and piano bar nestled in the heart of Manhattan's Theater District. Russian Samovar was co-founded by her stepfather, Roman Kaplan, in collaboration with ballet legend Mikhail Baryshnikov and Nobel Prize-winning poet Joseph Brodsky. The establishment quickly became a cultural haven, attracting artists, writers, performers, and celebrities from across the world. Over the years, Vlada has played an integral role in preserving the restaurant’s legacy, curating its signature 26-flavored vodka selections, and ensuring it remains a hub for creativity and fine dining. Before fully committing to Russian Samovar, Vlada explored opportunities in the film industry, working in Los Angeles for several major studios. She later ventured into nightlife, opening two nightclubs—one in New York and another in Miami—where she honed her skills in entertainment management. Despite her success in other ventures, she returned to Russian Samovar full-time in 2016, carrying forward its tradition of live music, literary gatherings, and authentic Russian cuisine. Under her leadership, Russian Samovar has welcomed an array of distinguished guests, including Nicole Kidman, Mel Brooks, Liza Minnelli, Sting, and Barbara Walters. The restaurant has also been featured in popular films and television series such as Sex and the City and The Manchurian Candidate, solidifying its place as a landmark in New York’s cultural scene. Beyond her work in hospitality, Vlada remains dedicated to preserving Russian heritage and fostering artistic expression through her venue, ensuring that Russian Samovar continues to be a cherished meeting place for storytellers, musicians, and dreamers alike.
Playlist
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3:34
Mama Vlada Crew
Vitali Prostota
Editor/ Design / Animation
Creator of the show "Musical Relaxation" - a combination of instrumental music, sounds of nature and idyllic video sequence. Motion designer, graphic artist, editing director, producer of concert events. Artistic video sequence for screens of music shows, editing of interviews, documentaries and performances. Reconstruction using artificial intelligence. Doctoring of video materials (re-editing, color correction).
Mama Vlada Merchandise
