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- Orlando Furioso is a five foot tall performer living in Brooklyn, and is made of wood. Fifty years ago he was carved from oak and given a suit of armor by Papa Manteo and his children, Orlando's sword still flashes on a stage. In It's One Family: Knock On Wood, we meet puppeteers Mike and Aida Manteo, their children and grandchildren, a family bound together by a Sicilian folk tradition that dates back to the 16th Century. Mike still builds marionettes; Aida sews capes and gowns; on stage, Orlando woos Angelica in the court of Charlemagne, as the entire family works together to entertain audiences across America.
- In "ANTONIO MEUCCI: THE FATHER OF THE TELEPHONE," a film by Tony De Nonno you will experience the life of Antonio Meucci, the true inventor of the telephone -- and learn how he was denied his rightful place in history. This documentary film takes you on an enlightening journey into the life of the true inventor of the telephone: Antonio Meucci. Mr. De Nonno's film describes Meucci's one-man battle against the Bell Monopoly one of the most powerful and wealthiest monopolies in history. It traces Antonio Meucci's remarkable construction of a fully operational telephone system at his home on Staten Island between the early 1850s and 1871. "The presentation features newspaper, scientific and magazine articles, court testimony and schematic drawings from the period in support of Meucci and not Alexander Graham Bell as the original inventor of the phone. It also included fascinating facts about the fierce competition that ensued over the invention"- Gayle Dewees, Daily News. Antonio Meucci: The Father of the Telephone is the very human story of a man who held a US patent for a speaking telegraph in 1871 -- five years before Alexander Graham Bell received credit and international acclaim for an almost identical device. This film by award-winning documentary filmmaker Tony De Nonno - takes you back to the 19th Century: the Age of Invention, of robber barons, mass immigration, and the growth of monopolies. A time when Civil Wars and quests for independence abounded worldwide. You'll travel with the young Antonio Meucci as he left his native Italy, emigrated to Cuba, and eventually settled in the United States- and follow his more than 20-year devotion to refining and perfecting his telephone invention- only to be denied the fame and fortune that should have rightfully been his. Finally, you'll visit Meucci's home in Staten Island, New York - which today is a national landmark; The Garibaldi-Meucci Museum - a national landmark and museum which honors Antonio Meucci and the legendary "hero of two worlds" Giuseppe Garibaldi. This enlightening film shatter the historical myth that prevails in most history books, articles and films- that Alexander Graham Bell had the sole vision to conceive, develop and invent the telephone all on his own. It presents revealing facts that there were more than 38 court cases challenging Bell's telephone invention. In addition to Meucci, the list of those challenging Bell's claim included Thomas Alva Edison and another renowned Age of Invention inventor, Elisha Gray. On February 14, 1876 both Bell and Elisha Gray filed an almost identical telephone patent applications at the US Patent office in Washington, D.C. They were remarkable similar to each other, but especially similar to Antonio Meucci's telephone invention. "The film tells the story of the Italian-American whose work on a telephonic communications device pre-dated that of Alexander Graham Bell. Fate may well have robbed him of the credit and prosperity to which his inventiveness may have entitled him. Eric Mink, NY Daily News. Since his defeat at the hands of the Bell Monopoly- right up to his deathbed in 1889- Antonio Meucci was quoted in numerous newspaper articles, continually proclaiming his faith in the American Justice System and his belief that someday he would be recognized for his priority in the invention of the telephone. "On June 11, 2002, 113 years after his death, the United States House of Representatives in H Resolution 269 finally recognized Antonio Meucci's vast contribution to the invention of the telephone. It stated that if Meucci had been able to pay the $10 fee to maintain his telephone caveat after 1874, no patent could have been issued to Bell." Raanan Geberer, Brooklyn Daily Eagle.
- Imagine 125 men carrying a five-ton, five-story, hand-sculptured tower and a 12- piece brass band - on their shoulders - dancing it through their neighborhood in tempo to joyous Italian folk songs! For 300 years in Italy, and the past century in communities throughout the greater New York area, this glorious ritual known as "The Dance of the Giglio" has been celebrated each summer with unbridled passion and devotion. This annual 65-foot-high moving monument to faith, folk-art and family honors a Roman Catholic Saint, San Paolino di Nola and his heroic act of sacrifice in the ancient Italian city of Nola in the year 409 A.D.
- Follows an Italian-born baker, Ben Togati, who brings the artistry of bread making to life with his words and hands. The motion and rhythm of his work gives the entire process a spiritual quality - making bread becomes an art, a celebration of life.
- Meet 11-year-old violin-virtuoso Anne Akiko Meyers who will take you beyond her remarkable gift of music. In her own words and in a master class and in several touching and moving solo violin and trio performances- you will experience the joyful spirit of this young Japanese-American virtuoso. Under the Masterful tutelage of acclaimed Violinist and world renown, Master Teacher, Alice Shoenfeld, this inspiring film portrait also reveals the extraordinary amount of practice time, great personal sacrifice and dedication required of Anne in order to perfect and develop her rare musical abilities. "Anne Meyers is now a violin virtuoso and a very pleasant 11-year-old girl. Unpretentiously and articulately commenting on her relationship with her teacher, with her younger sister, and with her music, Anne matter-of-factly acknowledges her sacrifices for her talent - Ever eager to capture revealing angles of the person within the prodigy, the camera spies warm scenes of Anne's family in this brief insight into the thoughts, challenges, and life of an already accomplished artist." -Booklist American Library Association Today, Anne Akiko Meyers has developed into an internationally renowned violin-virtuoso performing as a featured soloist with some of the greatest orchestras worldwide. Beyond being treated to the eloquence of Maestra Alice Shoenfeld's guidance, challenges and support- viewers will experience Anne as a young girl and enjoy her remarkable devotion to and celebration of classical music.
- A GIFT OF JOY a documentary film written, produced filmed and directed by Tony De Nonno celebrates the essence, breath and scope of the Brooklyn Public Libraries - "Service to the Aging Program," and the positive impact it has on the lives of the seniors it serves at all of Brooklyn's 58 Branch Libraries. Tony De Nonno weaves a captivating documentary about this remarkable program which is dedicated to empowering and providing the culturally-diverse seniors of Brooklyn with arts, cultural, educational and lifestyle programs which enhance their lives. In "A Gift of Joy" a rich array of enlightening music, cultural, and art are featured in this heartwarming documentary - including performances by the legendary Jazz Guitarist, Ray Rivera at the BPL's Saratoga Branch, the acclaimed Italian Opera Company at the New Utrecht Library, and an enlightening performances by the Puerto Rican Cuatro Folkloric ensemble, The Woodhill Players and the Chinese Music Ensemble at the Bushwick Library round out this poignant documentary. During one of the performances an elderly gentleman exclaims - "It is so wonderful - it brings, theater, information and poetry to your own backyard." Brooklyn is New York City's largest borough with a population of more than 2.5 million people. And this nationally renown Service to the Aging program is dedicated to empowering and providing the culturally-diverse seniors of Brooklyn with arts, cultural, educational and lifestyle programs which enhance their lives. The film captures a diversity of Brooklyn Seniors sharing their stories about how the "Service to the Aging," has touched their lives. Their heartfelt testimony is interwoven with the mission and vision of the "Service to the Aging Program," and especially spirited and enlightening music, cultural, art and education program moments that serve the ever-changing needs of seniors and gives them - "A Gift of Joy."
- The Kiss of Death is a madcap gangster spoof, complete with a don, his moll, hit-men, chase scenes and a zany rubout. If you're a fan of gangster movies, this new twist on the classic genre will give your funny bone an offer it can't refuse!
- John N. LaCorte: A Monument to History celebrates the life and accomplishments of John N. LaCorte, founder of the Italian Historical Society of America. Mr. LaCorte devoted his life to bringing honor and recognition to individuals of Italian decent who contributed greatly to the history and fabric of America and the world. He was responsible for bringing to national attention the fact that William Paca, one of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence and Governor of Maryland, was of Italian descent. LaCorte also brought to light and recognition scores of little known facts about American history- including: the fact that Charles J. Bonaparte founded the FBI; telephone inventor Antonio Meucci held a preliminary US patent for his telephone invention in 1871 - five years before Alexander Graham Bell patented his own telephone. Mr. LaCorte was the driving force behind getting Columbus Day recognized as a National Holiday. Perhaps one of his greatest achievements was his 14-year battle, and ultimate victory, in getting one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, The Verrazanno Bridge, which spans the mouth of New York harbor-- named after the great Florentine navigator, Giovanni da Verrazanno. This special half-hour documentary invites you to experience the spirit, vision and philosophy of an extraordinary-ordinary American, named John N. LaCorte. Awards: WLIW 21 Public Television, City University of New York Television, Connecticut Public Broadcasting, Staten Island Cable.
- REBUILDING THE SOUTH BRONX: THE STORY OF SEBCO: a Documentary film by Tony De Nonno captures the remarkable twenty-five year transformation from the early 1970s to the South Bronx in 1997-- from an International Symbol of Urban Blight to an Internationally Renowned Model of Urban Renewal. Award-winning filmmaker Tony De Nonno interweaves powerful historical visuals of almost total devastation, with passionate and inspiring testimony, of the people who lived, believed and came together with a common vision of unity and sacrifice to save their neighborhood and rebuild it for future generations. In the early 1960's, the Hunts Point section of the Bronx was a thriving diverse community of 90,000 residents. Then suddenly-- fires raging-- buildings crumbling-- over 60,000 New York City residents abandoned this almost mortally wounded community - leaving it to street gangs, drug dealers, slum lords and packs of wild dogs. A young priest, Father Louis Gigante, heard the cries of the people and took to the streets with a mission. This modern day Nehemiah, (who saved Jerusalem in the bible) rallies the support of 13 community groups and a core of dedicated followers - behind on simple belief - rebuild Hunts Point and give our people a chance to live self-sufficiently in decent affordable housing. That vision, 45 years ago, gave birth to the South East Bronx Community Organization known as SEBCO-- whose vast accomplishments include scores of new homes and an impressive array of renovated apartment buildings, libraries, parks, hospitals and tree lined streets. Today Hunts Point is a thriving community rebuilt, policed and administrated by its proud residents. It is a living testimony of neighbors working with neighbors to save, rebuild, preserve and transform their neighborhood into a dream community.
- In Public Schools Are Everybody's Business, internationally-acclaimed documentary filmmaker, Tony De Nonno, has created a heartwarming, half-hour film about the educational leaders of the Center for Educational Innovation-Public Education Association (CEI-PEA) and their remarkable impact within the NYC public schools. From the KIPP Academy in the Bronx to the Wildcat Academy in Manhattan -- and more than 140 schools in between -- CEI-PEA has helped transform large, troubled public schools into successful small ones. De Nonno interweaves real-life classroom experiences in several CEI-PEA schools with personal testimony by students, teachers, parents and principals to paint a picture of how CEI-PEA's reform efforts have effected real change in the classroom. Sy Fliegel, President of CEI-PEA, explains the purpose of the organization's work: "In large inner city school districts, there is a loss of the sense of community. But with small schools, you recreate a real sense of community." A student at I.S. 187 concurs: "The teachers are so in tune with you [at CEI-PEA schools]. They know what you want to do, and they can relate to us and help us with personal issues, social issues, in school life, academics, everything." Amalia Betanzos, creator of Wildcat Academy, describes how CEI-PEA has "given wonderful advice about how we should teach, the placement of our classrooms, and finding teachers of quality. They helped in every way imaginable." At the moving conclusion, one student sums it all up: "It's making me have a better tomorrow!" A year in the making, and lovingly-edited from more than twenty hours of footage, Public Schools Are Everybody's Business paints a vision of hope and talent in the NYC public schools often eclipsed in the news media. Enhancing the spirit of the film, an original musical score by composer, performer John La Barbera is blended with a spirited performance by the nationally-acclaimed KIPP Academy String and Rhythm Orchestra and the joyful singing by the children's chorus of P.S. 154 in the South Bronx. " I strongly support CEI-PEA as an organization that will revolutionize and transform all schools into learning communities that are child centered in all areas. Chandra Williams, Principal, Catherine and Count Basie Middle School 75.
- In a3520 FOR PIANO SOLO: a film by Tony De Nonno you will experience Matthias Kriesberg performing his piano composition "a3520," a work The New Yorker called "exhilarating," in the dark resonant interior of a 19th century Gothic cathedral in New York City, see the dynamic images award-winning filmmaker Tony De Nonno has created to move in harmony with the composition. Matthias Kriesberg, one of the leading composers of his generation, treats piano in startling new ways keeping the entire keyboard in motion at once. De Nonno's lyrical camera angles and dramatic lighting creates an atmosphere in sync with the explosive psychological power and subtlety of Kriesberg's "new tonality." This contemporary music video offers insight into a new performance technique and aesthetic vision that will inspire composers and performers in their own personal expression.