Connecting to our past
In documentary production, we don’t always know what we will find or where we will go to track down a story or explore its themes. Velio Bronzini talked a lot about his own experience of returning to Italy to reconnect with his family and walk where they lived. Watch this behind-the-scenes video to see how he inspired our director Zach Baliva to do the same.
Penne, Italy
Zach was able to explore his ancestral hometown of Penne, where he saw his grandparents’ birth and marriage certificates in the municipal archives. He also had the honor of interviewing Mayor Mario Semproni, who provided interesting and important details on the Italian perspective of watching those who sacrificed to leave their home become Enemy Aliens in their new country.
Penne is in the province of Pescara and the region of Abruzzo. The beautiful ancient town is today home to about 12,500 residents.
Penne featurette shot by Cosimo Politi
Edited by Nicola Ripepi
BTS clips edited by Jeffrey Chow
Special thanks to la Città di Penne
Mario Semproni, Sindaco
Annalisa Massimi
…and very special thanks to the Pennese who let us crash their party for the Euro 2020 championship. Grazie mille, e forza Italia!