On the 13^th October evening at the Italian Institute of Culture in New York City, we were escorted through time and legacy with the compelling documentary, "AP Giannini: Bank to the Future."

Co-directed by the Italians Valentina Signorelli and Cecilia Zoppelletto, this cinematic exploration into the life and impact of financial visionary AP Giannini, founder of Bank of America, was not only a nod to a remarkable individual but also a timely commemoration during the Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month.

Through a lens that seamlessly blends historical depth with emotive narrative, the directors weave a tale that is as much about audacious dreams and ethical foresight as it is about the rich tapestry of Italian-American legacy. 

The documentary is more than just a historical recount. It is a timeless Italian-American tale laced with ethics, resilience, and foresight, interwoven with Signorelli and Zoppelletto’s dynamic directorial synergies. Giannini, son of Ligurian immigrants in San Francisco, paved a revolutionary path in the American banking system; a man whose vision was unparalleled, providing not just the Italian community, but all marginalized societies within America, access to ethical credit and an opportunity to script their own American Dream. 

The filmmakers navigate through the tumultuous tides of history from the Gold Rush,  the 1906 San Francisco’s earthquake to the Great Depression and the second World War with grace and attention to detail. Giannini’s contributions stretch beyond banking, into financing Hollywood’s golden age and being a pivotal financier for the architectural marvel, the Golden Gate Bridge. 

Signorelli, known for capturing potent social issues through her lens, and Zoppelletto, with her adept skill in knitting intricate historical narratives, converge their talents to bring forth a documentary that is both engaging and enlightening. Exclusive interviews with Giannini’s granddaughter, esteemed economists, film experts, and beneficiaries of Giannini's magnanimity, paired with unseen archival footage, draw into a deeply immersive experience. 

A risky yet savvy element of the documentary is the introduction of a fictional narrator, 'Dago,' a name derived from a historical derogatory term for Italians, portrayed by Giorgio Cantarini, acclaimed for his performances in the Oscar-winning films "The Gladiator" and "Life is Beautiful." ‘Dago’ not only guides us through the narrative but also deftly challenges and subverts the stereotypes of Italian immigrants, adding a resonant layer to the storytelling that is both heartfelt and thought-provoking. The documentary, while echoing tales of the past, conjures pertinent questions and sparks conversations regarding immigration, and the history of America. The directors’ amalgamation of historical footage, personal narratives from the descendants of the Italian American community, and evocative storytelling charts a course through Giannini’s life, evoking not just admiration for the man himself, but also fostering a renewed appreciation for ethical practices in business. 

Signorelli and Zoppelletto's "AP Giannini: Bank to the Future" emerges as a  fresh take on biographical documentaries transcending conventional storytelling to offer an evocative exploration of not just the past but the impact of the bankers decision making. 

The documentary is produced by Daitona (IT) and Preston Witman Productions (UK) and features never seen footage from archives such as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Margaret Herrick Library, Library of Congress, University of South Carolina Moving Image Research Collection, Istituto Luce, Bison Archives, Niles Essannay Film Museum Archives, Galata Museo Del Mare, MEI - Museo Della Emigrazione. 

World Sales California Pictures. For more info please contact [email protected] and [email protected]