"AP GIANNINI - BANK TO THE FUTURE" A Cinematic Journey into the Italian Banker Behind the American Dream

Oct 26, 2023 2307

BY: Valentina Signorelli

In celebration of Italian Heritage and Culture Month in the U.S., production houses Daitona and Preston Witman Productions have unveiled an exclusive U.S. tour for their latest documentary "AP Giannini - Bank To The Future." Directed by Valentina Signorelli and Cecilia Zoppelletto, the film delves deep into the remarkable journey of Amadeo Peter Giannini.

As the son of Ligurian immigrants in San Francisco and the founder of Bank of America, Giannini championed ethical finance, enabling millions of immigrants to pursue the American Dream. His legacy includes monumental contributions like rebuilding San Francisco post the devastating 1906 earthquake, pioneering California's agricultural sector, fostering the rise of Hollywood, supporting the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge, and endorsing the Marshall Plan.

The tour spanned from October 13 to 18, 2023, with six events selling out across five major U.S. cities: New York, Washington DC, Niles, San Francisco, and Berkeley.

Highlights from the tour:

New York, October 13, 2023: Hosted by the Italian Cultural Institute on Park Avenue, the screening saw introductions by Massimo Sarti, Attaché for Cultural Affairs. Special attendees included actor Giorgio Cantarini (known for "Life is Beautiful" and "Gladiator"), who narrates the documentary, and Steven Istock, CEO of California Pictures.

Washington DC, October 14, 2023: Screened during the 48th anniversary celebrations of the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), distinguished guests included Fatou Assah of the World Bank and Dario Scatena, a Giannini family descendant. Notably, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, the first Italian-American First Lady, attended the gala alongside President Joe Biden.

Niles, California, October 15, 2023: The Niles Essanay Film Museum, dedicated to silent cinema, hosted the screening. Warren Sherk from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presented alongside the directors.

San Francisco, October 16, 2023: The historic Club Fugazi in North Beach held the event in collaboration with the Italian Institute of Culture of San Francisco and the Italian Community Services. The screening was introduced by Consul Sergio Strozzi and Director Roberta Lai of IIC San Francisco. Among the attendees were restaurateurs Maurizio and Filomena Florese from the famed Mona Lisa Mari and Monti restaurant, Dr. Vincent Fausone, and agent David Nastari of the San Francisco Police Department.

San Francisco, October 18, 2023: A private screening organized by Vornado Group was attended by representatives from Bank of America at the iconic 555 California building, centered around AP Giannini Plaza.

University of California Berkeley, October 18, 2023: A special screening for students and faculty at Giannini Hall was organised by Prof. Daniel A. Sumner, with Dr. Ellen Bruno. Prof. David Zibelman, recipient of the 2019 Wolf Prize in Agriculture, was also present.

For more information, please reach out to: Daitona: [email protected] Preston Witman: [email protected] Sales Agent: California Pictures: [email protected]

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