Grit
- Directed & Produced by: Johannes Kroemer
- Stage:
- Location:
- Updated: April 2, 2026
- Project Type:
- Project Style:
- Theme Subject:
Logline
A film about people who keep going.
Clips
Participants
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Susan Holland
Protagonist
Participant
Susan Holland
Protagonist
Susan, 79, is a New York native,
pursued art education
before launching a successful
catering and design company
that served many illustrious clients,
the high point being the state dinners
for the Obama White House.
After relocating to Miami,
she founded Pluck, a textile co-op comprised of older
women and which reflects her passion for color,
texture, and collaboration. -
Cleveland Manley
Protagonist
Participant
Cleveland Manley
Protagonist
Cleveland grew up in Harlem. When he was 16 he started
roaming the streets and ended up selling Heroin.
After serving time in prison he decided to turn
his life around.
Cleveland's involvement in his community earned
him the nickname "Mayor of Harlem".
He is also the oldest member of Bar-Tendaz.,
a group of fitness enthusiasts who promote a healthy
lifestyle through calisthenics. -
Dr. Walter Palmer
Protagonist
Participant
Dr. Walter Palmer
Protagonist
Dr. Palmer born in Atlantic City,
overcame a challenging childhood
to become a prominent figure in Philadelphia.
He pursued multiple degrees
including a Juris Doctorate,
worked in various fields,
and made significant contributions
to community organizing and education.
He is a Professor at the University of Pennsylvania. -
Queen Mother Deloise Blakely
Protagonist in development
Participant
Queen Mother Deloise Blakely
Protagonist in development
Queen Mother Delois Blakely (83) spent ten years as a Catholic nun in Harlem and is now a pan-Africanist, spiritual community leader and humanitarian.She is at home both on 125th street in Harlem and at the United Nations. -
Johnny "Roast Beef" Williams
Protagonist in development
Participant
Johnny "Roast Beef" Williams
Protagonist in development
Johnny Roast Beef (76) got his name because he had a Deli in East Harlem, NY.His local hang out spot was the now legendary Italian restaurant RAO’s.That’s where Martin Scorsese discovered and cast him for “Goodfellas”.He was the guy who shouldn’t have bought the pink Cadillac.Johnny now lives in Los Angeles where he still works as an actor.He is currently writing his memoir.And then he is at the door of RAO’s L.A. to bring a little New York attitude to California.
Team
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Johannes Kroemer
Director & Producer
Team
Johannes Kroemer
Director & Producer
Johannes Kroemer was born in Suhl in East Germany, surrounded by seven mountains and the Iron Curtain. "Suhl" refers to the mud bath wild boars take. He fled the country two months before the wall came down. (He didn't regret it.) Johannes studied Photography in Berlin and New York City where he lives now. He worked as a documentary photographer for publications in the US and Europe before turning to filmmaking. In 2013, together with his wife Vanina Feldsztein he founded Ninetynine Films, a production company that focuses on doc-style marketing videos. "Di Sarno", an Oscar- qualifying short produced in 2023, is his first documentary showing at film festivals. -
Vanina Feldsztein
Co-Director
Team
Vanina Feldsztein
Co-Director
Vanina was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
She moved to New York City where she worked in the camera department in commercial film production.
In 2013 they founded Ninetynine Films, a production company that focuses on doc-style marketing videos.
Vanina and co-director Johannes work very closely together, often sharing tasks such as directing and producing
since their sets are small and intimate.
Their short documentary, "Di Sarno", was a selection at 20 film festivals around the world.
It won Best Documentary Short at the 2024 St. Louis International Film Festival, qualifying the project for Oscar consideration.
Budget
This section includes information about this project.
Award journey cinema cinema creative screenplay story screenplay story film film journey doc independent team. Team award creative camera project impact director production.
Stills
Our Ask
As went through the casting process we discovered that there are so many more older people who live truly inspiring lives.
We would love to continue this project by transforming it into a longer documentary.
It would add 4 additional protagonists to feature 7 total and be 50 minutes long.
It would add 4 additional protagonists to feature 7 total and be 50 minutes long.
Approximate cost: $108,000.
Completing it would take about 6-7 months.
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