The Russo Brothers Award $50,000 to Filmmakers Celebrating Italian American Heritage
The Russo Brothers have a profound connection to their Italian heritage. Anthony, 54, and Joseph, 52, are renowned American directors, producers, and screenwriters recognized for their contributions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. They also established AGBO, an independent studio nestled in an old factory in the fashion district of Los Angeles, faraway from the sprawling lots and theaters of Hollywood or Burbank.
Through AGBO, they launched a scholarship for filmmakers residing in the United States with projects focusing on depicting Italian Americans. Alongside them, as always, is their father Basil, 77, whose roots trace back to Cerreto Sannita, in the South of Italy. The inaugural edition of the Russo Brothers Italian American Filmmaker Forum was born in January, sponsored by AGBO alongside the Italian Sons and Daughters of America, the association founded by Basil in Cleveland, where he was born and raised his kids.
This grant program aims to amplify the voices of those celebrating Italian heritage through cinema and beyond. By the end of February, applicants from across the country poured their souls into 3-minute sizzle reels, hoping to catch the discerning eyes of the selection committee, composed of AGBO executives and ISDA leaders. Among the chosen, each one awarded with 10.000 dollars, Alan Trinca from Los Angeles crafts a symphony of struggle and ambition in “THAT OLD BLACK MAGIC,” while Joe Picozzi from New York unearths a seismic identity crisis in “MY KIND OF PEOPLE.” Cara Ronzetti, also from New York, orchestrates a multi-generational feast of emotions in “LASCIARE.” Meanwhile, Luke Simboli and Dylan Springer, hailing from New York, plunge headlong into history with “SALVATION IS WITHIN YOU!,” and Nicholas Marchetti, also from New York, thrusts us into the crucible of competition with “THE FENCER.”
But the journey doesn’t end there. A grand prize awaits, offering to one single project among the five an additional $10,000 and entry into the prestigious AGBO Storytellers Collective, where filmmakers receive mentorship and industry insights. As 2024 unfolds, AGBO is fortifying its executive ranks, welcoming Chris Brearton as a partner. Brearton, an attorney by trade coming from Amazon Studios, will oversee operations, business strategy, and growth for the company, which is expanding into new modes of storytelling, including interactive and immersive worlds.
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The Russo Brothers have a profound connection to their Italian heritage. Anthony, 54, and Joseph, 52, are renowned American directors, producers, and screenwriters recognized for their contributions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. They also established AGBO, an independent studio nestled in an old factory in the fashion district of Los Angeles, faraway from the sprawling lots and theaters of Hollywood or Burbank.
Through AGBO, they launched a scholarship for filmmakers residing in the United States with projects focusing on depicting Italian Americans. Alongside them, as always, is their father Basil, 77, whose roots trace back to Cerreto Sannita, in the South of Italy. The inaugural edition of the Russo Brothers Italian American Filmmaker Forum was born in January, sponsored by AGBO alongside the Italian Sons and Daughters of America, the association founded by Basil in Cleveland, where he was born and raised his kids.
This grant program aims to amplify the voices of those celebrating Italian heritage through cinema and beyond. By the end of February, applicants from across the country poured their souls into 3-minute sizzle reels, hoping to catch the discerning eyes of the selection committee, composed of AGBO executives and ISDA leaders. Among the chosen, each one awarded with 10.000 dollars, Alan Trinca from Los Angeles crafts a symphony of struggle and ambition in “THAT OLD BLACK MAGIC,” while Joe Picozzi from New York unearths a seismic identity crisis in “MY KIND OF PEOPLE.” Cara Ronzetti, also from New York, orchestrates a multi-generational feast of emotions in “LASCIARE.” Meanwhile, Luke Simboli and Dylan Springer, hailing from New York, plunge headlong into history with “SALVATION IS WITHIN YOU!,” and Nicholas Marchetti, also from New York, thrusts us into the crucible of competition with “THE FENCER.”
But the journey doesn’t end there. A grand prize awaits, offering to one single project among the five an additional $10,000 and entry into the prestigious AGBO Storytellers Collective, where filmmakers receive mentorship and industry insights. As 2024 unfolds, AGBO is fortifying its executive ranks, welcoming Chris Brearton as a partner. Brearton, an attorney by trade coming from Amazon Studios, will oversee operations, business strategy, and growth for the company, which is expanding into new modes of storytelling, including interactive and immersive worlds.
Share:
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