Summary: Through the eyes of one woman searching for answers, we learn the history of the Italians in Oakland, California, including the vibrant story of the Italian social clubs dating back to 1920 in North Oakland.
Told from a personal point of view, the filmmaker traces her own journey, beginning with the story of her four grandparents who came to New York a century ago as immigrants from southern Italy.
The film also looks at why the Italians fled Italy and what they experienced when they arrived in the U.S. Seeking to understand the trajectory of her own life, the filmmaker asks the pertinent question: How do you hold onto your culture in a new land? It's a question every granddaughter of immigrants must face.
Film length 102 minutes.
"The Italian American history captured in this film should be required viewing for young people today. It is our shared American history, and must be preserved and cherished.
- Rick Malaspina, Italian Oakland, Arcadia Publishing, the Images of America Series, c. 2011.
Film Grant: For her film, Giovanna was the honored recipient of a prestigious award from the Russo Brothers Italian American Film Forum and the National Italian American Foundation in 2020. This substantial grant assisted her in the final production of her documentary film.
Experience the Captivating Journey
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