SYNPOSIS
Inspired by Bryan Mazzarello’s exaggerated stories about his life, the film follows David Mangano on his mission to get his Italian citizenship recognized by the consulate.
Pietro, an Italian consulate employee who always dots his I’s and crosses his T’s, begins the citizenship process with a comedic interrogation of David.
After passing the grilling, things take an odd turn as David is forced to prove his knowledge and passion for all things Italian. Is he up for the challenge? In bocca al lupo.
A TRUE(ISH) STORY
Bryan Mazzarello, a third generation Italian-American, is the lead actor, director and co-writer, along with his wife Stephanie, of Make Me Italian. Bryan received his duel citizenship recognition in 2016.
FAMILY HISTORY
Bryan’s great-grandfather, Francesco Mazzarello, immigrated to Milwaukee from Naso*, Messina, Sicily in 1909 where he met his wife, Teresa Sberna, who was born in Sant’Agata di Militello, Messina, Sicily.
Bryan’s grandfather, Salvatore Anthony Mazzarello, was born and raised in the red-lined Third Ward district, the Italian neighborhood of Milwaukee. Tony served much of his career as a US serviceman and became quite the entertainer at officer clubs.
In 1958 due to persecution of Italian-Americans, he changed his last name from Mazzarello to Marell in order to blend in better, just like Dean Martin, Bobby Darin and Tony Bennett.
*Same village as Lady Gaga’s family. Her real name is Stefani Germanotta.
CONNECTING TO ITALY
Growing up in California, away from his Italian-American family in Milwaukee, Bryan really didn’t often get a chance connect much to his Italian roots. He spent most family holidays with his mother’s British and Germanic family and was very close to his grandparents in Sacramento.
Then after graduating college, Bryan took a backpacking trip through Europe, mostly in Italy, and connected with his roots and his famiglia italiana. It was life changing.
Bryan changed his surname* back to Mazzarello four days before he got married to his wife, Stephanie, 20 years ago.
CREATIVE PARTNERSHIP
In 2009 Bryan and Stephanie started Mazzarello Media & Arts, a visual communications studio focused on graphic design and visual storytelling. Their work includes branding, websites and videos.
*His name change story was featured on The Italian American Podcast in 2016.
STYLE/TONE
WHAT WILL THE FILM FEEL LIKE?
The comedic style is inspired by American and Italian film making from the likes of Wes Andersen, Francis Ford Coppola, Roberto Benigni, Federico Fellini and a nod to Sergio Corbucci.
Our dream is that the film will be playful, silly and bring a little joy into the world.
