I'm thrilled to share that Make Me Italian - winner of the ENSEMBLE CAST AWARD at Italian Comedy Festival Hollywood 2025 - is now streaming on WeShort as their first American film and first comedy to join the prestigious WeShort Originals slate!
This historic five-year streaming partnership represents a significant milestone for independent American cinema and validates what we set out to create—a comedic love letter to Italian heritage that resonates across cultures and continents. "It's a triumph, what you have achieved." – Lytham International Film Festival
Since our world premiere at Lytham International Film Festival in August 2024, Make Me Italian has been selected for prestigious festivals across three continents, including: United Kingdom (World Premiere); Italy - Tuscany, Sicily, Campania, Apulia, Piedmont film festivals; Spain - Humor en Corto Festival; Morocco - Rabat Comedy Film Festival; United States - Los Angeles Comedy Film Festival, LA Italia Film Festival, Italian Comedy Festival Hollywood.
Recognition & Support: ENSEMBLE CAST AWARD - Italian Comedy Festival Hollywood 2025 "For their exceptional collaboration, comedic timing, and spirited portrayal that both playfully embraces and lovingly celebrates Italian culture."; BEST LEADING ACTOR NOMINATION - Bryan Mazzarello, PIFF Pinerolo International Film Festival; Panavision New Filmmakers Grant recipient; Shot on Panavision DXL2 with Primo Lenses; Distributed internationally by Prem1ere Film (Milan, Italy).
To my incredible cast - Luca Della Valle, Nadia Lanfranconi, Paola Carleo, Ross Turner, Lucia Giardina, Jenna Nicole Sullivan - this award is YOURS. Your collaboration, timing, and authentic portrayal made this film what it is.
The Story: Make Me Italian follows my character David Mangano on an amusing and fantastical quest to become an Italian citizen. Inspired by my real-life experience obtaining dual citizenship in 2016, the film blends personal history with whimsical fantasy sequences that pay homage to Antonioni, Leone, and Scorsese.
This project wouldn't exist without: My creative partner and wife Stephanie Mazzarello (co-writer, production designer); Producer Courtney Tait (The Sky is Everywhere, Do Revenge); Cinematographer Justin Kemper (WandaVision, American Born Chinese); Editor Jeff Asher (Tracker, Big Sky, Lethal Weapon); Our incredible international cast
I hope this story celebrates what it means to be part of a culture and community—and inspires others to discover and honor their own origins. Thank you to everyone who has supported this project from concept to completion. Here's to celebrating heritage, identity, and the power of laughter to bring us together!
Now streaming exclusively on WeShort: www.weshort.com
