In the vibrant and nostalgic world of The Floaters, a new comedy directed by Rachel Israel, audiences are transported to a Jewish summer camp where misfits, music, and lifelong friendships collide. AMFM Magazine recently sat down with stars Jackie Tohn and Judah Lewis, along with host Paul Salfen, to dive into the film’s unique blend of humor, heart, and the universal experience of finding your place. With a story centered on a struggling musician tasked with supervising a group of quirky campers to save their beloved camp from a rival, The Floaters promises to be a feel-good hit that resonates with anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider.

A Camp Experience Like No Other

For Jackie Tohn, who plays a key role in the film, The Floaters was a chance to relive the camp experience she cherished growing up. “I was a huge camp person,” Tohn shared, reminiscing about her summers at Camp Roosevelt and Camp Lake Honda. “The camp we shot at was only a few minutes from the camp I actually went to. I did a little drive-by of Camp Lake Honda when we were up there.” The film’s setting, a real summer camp, amplified the authenticity of the experience. “We were literally there, hanging out, making s’mores around campfires, doing camp activities,” Tohn added. “It was all very delicious and campy as hell.”

Judah Lewis, who had never attended summer camp himself, found the set to be a joyful immersion into that world. “This was a really fun way to live that experience without having actually done it,” he said. “I got to vicariously live through my character.” The cast’s camaraderie mirrored the camp dynamic, with Lewis noting, “The majority of us were living on the camp, so we were just there, getting to know each other.” This off-screen bonding translated into the film’s infectious energy, with Tohn emphasizing, “The more fun you’re having on set, the better the end product is. That was really the case with this set.”

A Story of Persistence and Passion

The Floaters isn’t just about camp antics—it’s a story of clashing personalities coming together to save something they love. The film follows a struggling musician (played by Tohn) who takes a job from her overachiever best friend to supervise a group of misfit campers. As the camp gears up for a high-stakes competition against a rival, the characters must overcome their differences to secure its future. The themes of persistence and passion resonate deeply, both in the story and in the actors’ own journeys.

When asked what advice they’d give to aspiring actors, Lewis kept it simple: “Have fun with it. Don’t take it too seriously. You have to love the process of doing it, and persistence is the biggest thing—keeping the passion alive.” Tohn echoed this sentiment, reflecting on her own career trajectory. “I started acting when I was nine, and I didn’t get my real ‘go get ’em’ gig until my mid to late 30s,” she shared. “Persistence is funny. People were like, ‘Are you ever going to get a real job?’ And then, suddenly, it’s ‘Good for you!’” Her breakthrough came with the role of Gilda Radner in A Futile and Stupid Gesture, which opened doors to projects like GLOW and, ultimately, The Floaters.

For Lewis, a pivotal moment came early in his career when director Jean-Marc Vallée cast him in Demolition. “I just somehow lucked out,” Lewis said. “He saw something in me, and that was it.” Tohn, quick to praise her co-star, noted, “You’re a suspiciously good actor for being the age that you are. Some of my favorite work in this movie was a scene we did together. It just feels comfy—you feel safe, like it’s not going to go off the rails.”

Directed by a Visionary

At the helm of The Floaters is Rachel Israel, a New York-based writer and director whose debut feature, Keep the Change, garnered critical acclaim for its authentic portrayal of characters on the autism spectrum. Premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival, where it won Best U.S. Narrative Feature and Best New Narrative Feature Director, the film also earned the Best Debut Film and FIPRESCI Award at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. Hailed as a “landmark motion picture” and a New York Times Critic’s Pick, Keep the Change showcased Israel’s ability to blend humor and heart. With The Floaters, she brings that same sensitivity to a story about underdogs finding their strength.

Israel, who has taught filmmaking at Columbia University and Rhode Island School of Design, is currently in post-production on her third feature, INFLUENCED. Represented by Verve Talent & Literary Agency, she continues to push boundaries with her fresh, character-driven storytelling.

Staying in the Moment

For Tohn and Lewis, tackling the challenges of acting often comes down to mindset. Tohn admitted to relying on “healthy self-speak” and breathing through the chaos of a set. “You’ll be giving the performance of your life, and someone’s walkie-talkie will go off,” she laughed. “You have to come from abundance, not scarcity. That wasn’t the only take—you can do it again.” Lewis, meanwhile, emphasized the importance of staying present. “The biggest thing as an actor is not getting in your head,” he said. “The more you’re able to just clear your mind, be present, the better it is. It’s like when you were a kid, not self-conscious in any way.”

This approach mirrors the spirit of The Floaters itself—a celebration of letting go, embracing the moment, and finding joy in the messiness of life. As Tohn reflected on her early days as a child actor, she recalled watching herself in a pilot at 14: “I was like, ‘Go off, Queen!’ I don’t know how I was so good. Then I had years where I was trying too hard, dissecting the dialog. It was too much.” Rediscovering that natural instinct has been key to her success, and it’s a quality that shines through in the film.

Why You Should Watch

The Floaters is more than just a comedy—it’s a love letter to summer camp, friendship, and the resilience it takes to chase your dreams. With a stellar cast led by Tohn and Lewis, and Israel’s deft direction, the film captures the magic of those fleeting, formative summers. Whether you’re a camp veteran or a newcomer to the experience, The Floaters invites you to laugh, cheer, and maybe even shed a nostalgic tear.

Be sure to check out The Floaters for a dose of humor and heart that’ll leave you ready to roast s’mores and rally for the underdog. As Tohn and Lewis remind us, it’s all about persistence, passion, and finding your place—whether at camp or in life.