Get ready for a delicious blend of comedy, drama, and Italian culture in the upcoming feature film, 'I Dream of Pizza'. This heartwarming story, directed by Staten Island's very own Matt Provenzano, is set to take audiences on a wild ride through the world of pizza and mob life. But here's where it gets controversial... Is it a mafia movie or a character-driven drama? Let's dive in and find out!
A Dream Come True
After a decade of working on horror films, Provenzano is finally stepping into the director's chair for his feature-length debut. His journey began with a simple idea jotted down on his phone app, where he stores his movie concepts. The concept evolved into a character named Roberto, inspired by the Italian actor and director Roberto Benigni. This character, an eternal optimist with an excitable ball of energy, embodies the spirit of Italian heritage.
Pizza: The Heart of the Story
As the story grew, Provenzano realized that pizza was the perfect hook to encapsulate the entire narrative. He wanted to create a silly, tongue-in-cheek, and comical story that wasn't meant to be taken seriously. The pizza-making prodigy, Roberto, emigrates from Italy to New York City to start his own pizzeria, and soon finds himself in the middle of mob life, facing high-stakes battles while chasing his passion.
A Unique Take on Mob Life
What sets 'I Dream of Pizza' apart is that it's not a traditional mafia movie. Provenzano describes it as a character piece, focusing on Roberto's dreams, passions, and the impact they have on his life. The mobsters are just a backdrop, allowing the audience to explore the theme of pursuing goals and following passions. Roberto's accidental stumble into the mob situation adds a unique twist to the classic mobster narrative.
Influenced by Staten Island
Born and raised on Staten Island in an Italian-American family, Provenzano couldn't help but be influenced by his surroundings. He describes his upbringing in a close-knit, stereotypical Italian-American family, and the 'blood of the Island' is evident in his projects. Although the film is set in New York City, the borough isn't explicitly named, but anyone from Staten Island would likely recognize it. Provenzano wants to showcase that the film came from Staten Island, not Hollywood or Manhattan.
From Horror to Comedy
Provenzano has experience in horror films, but he's no stranger to comedy. His longtime collaborators, Fuzz on the Lens Productions, have a history of producing both horror and comedy. Their first big splash was with the comedy 'Abnormal Attraction'. With 'I Dream of Pizza', they're giving themselves the opportunity to showcase their entire range, proving that they're not just horror guys anymore.
Pre-Production and Funding
The team is currently raising funds to begin full production and filming. They plan to shoot for 17 days, with a brief segment filmed in Italy. The first 10 minutes of the film take place in Italy, and they wanted to showcase this at the beginning, not just in someone's backyard. They're not on a shoestring budget; they went to Italy and filmed it.
What to Expect
'I Dream of Pizza' is listed as a comedy-drama, offering a silly, tongue-in-cheek take on life, with heartfelt and sincere moments. It's like a slice-of-life film, following Roberto's journey. As long as you like the main character, you're on board, and Roberto is a character that's hard not to like. Provenzano also wants to showcase the best of Italian cuisine, especially pizza.
Island Talent
For Provenzano, sharing his film with Staten Islanders is important, as he wants to give back to the community artistically. He wants to showcase the growth of the art community on the Island in the past 15-20 years, with talents like Pete Davidson, Impractical Jokers, and Colin Jost, as well as Fuzz on the Lens Productions. He believes that with hard work, they can showcase the talent and creativity of Staten Island.
So, get ready for 'I Dream of Pizza', a film that promises to be a delicious blend of comedy, drama, and Italian culture. Will it be a mafia movie or a character-driven drama? Watch and find out! Don't forget to share your thoughts in the comments below.
