Filmography
In My Brother's Shoes (2014)
Running Time: 25 minutes
Genre: Original live-action narrative short
Synopsis: Danny, the brother of a fallen U.S. Marine, takes a life-changing pilgrimage to Rome in his sibling’s combat boots to fulfill his brother’s unrealized desire to backpack with friends through Europe. In the process, Danny is able to find purpose in life and touch other’s lives through his brother’s generous spirit. This is a quiet but powerful exploration of grief, moving on and personal empowerment. Film is shown to veterans organizations.
Locations: Chicago & Rome
Awards: Best Short Film at the 2015 International Vatican Film Festival in Rome. Featured in the 2015 International Cannes Film Festival’s Short Film Corner.
More Info: Internet Movie Data Base Page (IMDB)
Now available here on Vimeo on Demand
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Running Time: 1 hour
Genre: Original narrative feature
Synopsis: Liz, a recent cancer survivor, takes a cathartic trip to the Italian Alps following cancer treatment. Humorous and uplifting, it shows how the protagonist has become a new person who chooses to lead a fulfilling life changed by, but not defined by, illness. Film is presented at medical facilities and for cancer support groups in the U.S. and abroad.
Locations: Chicago & Milan, Aosta & Turin, Italy
Awards: Screened at Montreal’s 2016 Views of the World Film and Music Festival, where it was nominated for Best Original Score.
More Info: https://www.inmybrothersshoes.org/cancer-support
Internet Movie Data Base Page (IMDB)
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Now available here on Vimeo on Demand
Frances Xavier Cabrini: The People’s Saint (2017)
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Running Time: 50 minutes
Genre: Documentary – Biography
Synopsis: This poetic film honors the great Italy-born saint and humanitarian Frances Xavier Cabrini (1850-1917), who founded schools, orphanages and hospitals around the globe and spent her final days in Chicago. Filmed during her Centenary Year (2017), it showcases the Patron of Immigrants as a fearless, roll-up-her sleeves advocate who ministered to children, the poor, the sick, and immigrants adapting to life in a new land. Includes interviews with individuals from all walks of life who carry on her work today as the needs of immigrants and other populations continue to evolve. Film is screened around the world for religious and humanitarian organizations, hospitals, schools, immigration museums and more.
Locations: Chicago & Milan, Sant’Angelo Lodigiano, Lodi, Codogno & Rome, Italy
Awards: Official Selection 2018 Catholic Film Festival in Seoul, South Korea.
More Info: https://www.inmybrothersshoes.org/mothercabrinifilm
Now available here on Vimeo on Demand (English)
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Now available here on Vimeo on Demand (Italian)
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Now available here on Vimeo on Demand (Spanish)
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Now available here on Vimeo on Demand (Polish)
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Now available here on Vimeo on Demand (French)
Voci del diario (Entries) (2020)
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Running Time: 28 minutes
Genre: Original live-action narrative short
Synopsis: A highly textured cinematic poem that explores the life cycle through one man -- and his journal entries -- at different stages: childhood, young adulthood, middle age and senior years. It's a film about memory, family and the legacies we leave. It begins with a little boy receiving a journal/sketchbook from his grandmother for his birthday and ends with his own granddaughter's fascination with journal writing. In between, he experiences joy, love, pain, loss and resilience. Premiered online on September 10, 2020. In Italian with English subtitles.
Locations: Brescia, Verona, Trento & Valsugana/Dolomite Mountains, Italy
Awards: Finalist for Best Drama at the 2020 Fotofilm International Short Film Festival in Istanbul, Turkey.
More Info: Internet Movie Data Base Page (IMDB)
Now available here on Vimeo on Demand
I Have a Name (2020)
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Running Time: 1 hour
Genre: Documentary
Synopsis: I Have a Name puts a respectful face on homelessness through the sensitive, multifaceted work of The Chicago HELP Initiative (CHI) -- founded by Jacqueline C. Hayes -- and its partners, who empower those in need through access to meals, health services, shelter, adult education, job training and the arts. Those who have experienced job loss, homelessness and other challenges tell their own compelling stories. The documentary also takes a wider look at the many factors contributing to homelessness. And it addresses how organizations, such as CHI, are adapting to a world changed by Covid-19. The CHI online world premiere took place on October 22, 2020; the IMBS online premiere was held on December 9, 2020.
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Awards: Best Documentary at the 2020 International Vatican Film Festival in Rome. Silver Award at the 2020 Spotlight Documentary Film Festival in Atlanta.
More info: Internet Movie Data Base Page (IMDB)
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Now available here on Vimeo on Demand
Ovarian Cancer & Early Detection: The Story of a Northwoods Community Making a Difference (2023)
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Running Time: 1 hour
Genre: Documentary
Synopsis: This documentary celebrates how a community comes together on a grassroots level to foster positive change in the world. At its core, the film is rooted in the vital mission of Ovarian Cancer Symptom Awareness (OCSA) in contributing to an early detection test for ovarian cancer via its collaboration with Penn Vet’s Canine Scent Detection Program. But behind the OCSA-supported research taking place at Penn Vet is a dedicated Hayward, Wisconsin community of volunteers, supporters, veterinarians, artists and business leaders uniting organically to help humanity flourish. Co-produced by OCSA & In My Brother's Shoes, Inc. Premiered on September 14, 2023 at the Park Center Theater in Hayward, Wis.
Locations: Hayward, Wis.; Philadelphia, Penn.;
St. Charles, Ill.
More info: Internet Movie Data Base Page (IMDB)
Inverno (Winter) (2023)
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Running Time: 26 minutes
Genre: Original live-action narrative short
Synopsis: This short film follows a day in the life of a man who resides in the Italian town of Fiumefreddo Bruzio, Calabria, where he sets upon his daily routine close to the locals, his environment and the natural path of his existence. On a larger scale, Inverno addresses our place in the universe – the life cycle both mundane and magnificent. It celebrates a Calabrian town that is more than a beach stop during Ferragosto. There’s life and history behind the distressed facades and heavy stones of the old borgo. The film is dedicated to those inhabitants of small villages in Calabria – to those who stay. It’s a testament to the realities and resilience of Southern Italy. Premiered on October 27, 2023 at AUSER in Paola, Italy. In Italian with English subtitles.
Locations: Fiumefreddo Bruzio & Paola, Italy
More Info: Internet Movie Data Base Page (IMDB)
Now available here on Vimeo on Demand