2019
Mister Wonderland
“Mister Wonderland”, directed by Valerio Ciriaci, recounts the remarkable story of Sylvester Z. Poli, a humble artisan who emigrated from Italy to America at the end of the 19th century — only to become the greatest theater impresario of his time. The film chronicles his journey from rural Tuscany to the bright lights of the Roaring Twenties, revealing how a migrant’s ingenuity shaped the movie-going experience as we know it. Crossing continents and generations, “Mister Wonderland” sets out to find what remains today of Sylvester’s theaters and the communities they used to serve.
Produced by Awen Films, in collaboration with Infinity Blue, Lucca Film Festival e Europa Cinema. With the support of Fondazione Paolo Cresci per la Storia dell’emigrazione e italiana, Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Lucca, Programma Sensi Contemporanei Toscana per il Cinema. Fiscally sponsored by Independent Filmmaker Project
WITH THE SUPPORT OF: Italian Cultural Institute (New York), The John D. Calandra Italian American Institute (Queens College), Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimò (New York University), Provincia di Lucca, Comune di Coreglia Antelminelli, Comune di Gallicano, Associazione Lucchesi nel Mondo
№ 3/7
№ 1/1
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