New Documentary Captures the American Immigrant Experience

Janson Media today announced the release to worldwide broadcast, digital and non-theatrical markets of Anthony Osso's new one-hour documentary film, Pizza Shop: An Italian American Dream.

With humor, insight, and compassion, Pizza Shop: An Italian American Dream shares the journey of two Italian brothers who have run a successful restaurant for over 40 years, the sacrifices they’ve made for their children, and what it means to immigrants when they fulfill the American dream.

Pizza Shop introduces viewers to Charlie and Fred Osso, immigrant brothers from Calabria, Italy, who have run a successful pizzeria and restaurant in a strip mall in northern New Jersey for nearly forty years. Emigrating from impoverished post-war Italy with a rudimentary elementary-school education, they had little chance for advancement. Through hard work, resilience, and the opportunities provided in the U.S., they've thrived.

Now in their seventies, Charlie and Fred are facing a forced relocation, construction of a new restaurant, their sons’ attempts to update the management style, and encroaching old age. But retirement is a dirty word to these workhorses: Charlie is serious and detail-oriented, with a short fuse and a soft center, while Fred is light-hearted and easy-going, a passionate chef and bon vivant.

With humor and compassion, filmmaker Antony Osso explores how a Mom-and-Pop shop can be a vital hub for a community, the sacrifices parents make for their children, and what it means for immigrants when they live out the American dream.

During its festival run, the film garnered the Audience Award at the Indie Street Film Festival, and was an Official Selection at the St. Louis International Festival, the Ojai Film Festival, the Manhattan Film Festival, the Cape May Film Festival, the Salento Film Festiva, and the Hoboken International Film Festival. The film is now available on both Vimeo on Demand and Amazon Prime Video.

For more information please visit the film's website.