A new documentary film chronicling the extraordinary World War II story of Liberata Catalano and her twin sons, Remo Catalano and Romolo Catalano, is expected to be completed in late summer 2026, with plans to submit the film for festival consideration.
The documentary explores events that took place during World War II in and around the family's home in the Abruzzo region of Italy, near one of the war’s front lines. At the center of the film is Liberata Catalano, whose courage and humanity helped save Allied soldiers during a time of extraordinary danger and uncertainty.
For more than four years, the Catalano & Flury family has been working to preserve and share this deeply personal story. The film highlights not only the hardships faced by Italian families living near the front lines, but also the lasting relationships that emerged from acts of bravery during wartime.
Among the soldiers connected to the Catalano family’s story were two young Americans from North Dakota, Elwyn “Buck” Vanous and Arthur Sayler. The Catalano family remained in contact with many of the Allied soldiers Liberata helped, including the families of Vanous and Sayler. Their descendants have continued that connection and contributed information that helped shape the documentary.
“This film is about family, sacrifice, courage, and the bonds that can endure across generations,” said Rosanna Catalano. “My family has carried this story for decades, and we are proud to help bring it to a wider audience so that Liberata’s courage, my father’s memories, and the legacy of the Allied soldiers she helped are never forgotten.”
The documentary also marks an important creative effort by Neliana Flury, a rising high school senior at Florida State University School, who has been editing the film. The project has also benefited from the video work and mentorship of Josh McLawhorn, a multi-Emmy Award-winning filmmaker whose documentary Unfiltered has aired on PBS.
The film’s trailer is now available here
Rosanna Catalano and her husband Michael Flury have self-funded the film. There is a GoFundMe page established to help with costs, especially film festival submissions. On screen credit will be given to anyone who donates $500 or more.
About the Documentary
The forthcoming documentary tells the story of Liberata Catalano and her family during World War II in the Abruzzo region of Italy. Through family history, personal recollections, and connections with the descendants of Allied soldiers, the film preserves a powerful account of courage, compassion, and human connection during one of history’s most consequential conflicts.
About Rosanna Catalano
Rosanna Catalano is the producer of this documentary film and is based in Tallahassee, Florida. She is the Vice President at Arrow Group, the government affairs consulting subsidiary of the Gunster law firm. Rosanna has a varied background which includes television news production, podcasting, and news reporting. Through this documentary project, she and her family are working to preserve and share the World War II story of Liberata Catalano, Remo Catalano, the Catalano Family, and the Allied soldiers whose families remain connected to the Catalano family today.
