Freestyle Digital Media has acquired VOD rights to 'THE NITA & ZITA PROJECT,' a documentary about two Jewish immigrant sisters who became 1920s burlesque stars and later New Orleans eccentrics. The film releases across North America on digital platforms and DVD on 16 September 2025.
The documentary premiered at the 2024 Salem Documentary Film Festival and had its West Coast premiere at Dances With Films 2024 in Los Angeles.
Outline: The film tells the story of two Jewish immigrant sisters who rose to international burlesque fame in the 1920s before settling in New Orleans, where they became well-known local eccentrics—dot-painting their home and creating thousands of handmade costumes from found objects. After their deaths, a neighbour discovered the archive and held a yard sale that lasted five years. The film explores their artistry, legacy, and how their lives challenged Jewish stereotypes and gender norms within American burlesque, acrobatics and contortion.
Credits
Written & Directed by: Marci Darling
Producers: Marci Darling, Sharon Gillen
Creative Producer: Alexandra Kern
Associate Producers: Alison Gordon, Courtney Mico Nelson
Distributor: Freestyle Digital Media (Allen Media Group)
Featured interviewees
Dita Von Teese, Pleasant Gehman, Trixie Minx, Dr. Michelle Finamore, Jane Blevin, Kathy Randels, Lisa D’Amour, Katie Pearl, Nina Bozak, Cyndi McMurray, Wayne Phillips, Alan Smason, Dr. Daniel Molnar, Dr. Andrew D. Field, Dr. Hasia Diner, Doris Domoszlai-Lantner, Angeliska Polacheck, Audrey Elizabeth Emmett, Olivia Aldin, Coleen Scott.
Release information
Territory: North America
Availability: Digital HD (internet, cable, satellite) and DVD
Date: 16 September 2025
