"Paesani: The Story of Italian Culture in Northeastern Pennsylvania" chronicles the massive immigration of more than 4 million Italians to the United States between 1890 and 1930, and the enduring culture these people imbued into northeastern Pennsylvania society.
witf will air "Paesani: The Story of Italian Culture in Northeastern Pennsylvania" on March 2 at 4:30 p.m. and March 10 at 2 p.m.
Older generations have always passed down values, beliefs and traditions to help younger generations identify with their name and heritage. Yet, many people still don't know who they are. "Paesani: The Story of Italian Culture in Northeastern Pennsylvania" celebrates and preserves Italian heritage through a poignant blend of first-person storytelling, never-before-seen images and insightful humanist commentary.
"The film blends archival imagery with eyewitness testimony to bring to life the stories and memories that Italian culture is based upon. If you're Italian, you'll likely see yourself in this film." said Greg Matkosky, creative director for documentary films for WVIA. "If you're not Italian, you'll find echoes of your own ethnic upbringing and better understand how northeastern Pennsylvania's Italian-American community has contributed to northeastern Pennsylvania's quality of life."
"Paesani: The Story of Italian Culture in Northeastern Pennsylvania" is the 3rd presentation in WVIA's original documentary series "The Extraordinary Journey," which celebrates and preserves northeastern Pennsylvania's diverse ethnic and cultural heritage .The film contributes to WVIA's mission to make attractive public television documentary programming, and honors the courageous character our ancestors possessed to create a finer life for us today in northeastern Pennsylvania.