On this week’s episode of the Italian American Podcast, host John Viola sits down for an intimate one-on-one with filmmaker Robert Bruzio to discuss his much-talked-about new independent film “Bottom of the Ninth”- a very personal tale of an Italian American ball player taking a last shot at redemption, both on the diamond and in the old neighborhood.

Bruzio’s film- his feature-length writing debut- stars Italian American actor Joe Manganiello and “real-life” wife Sofia Vergara surrounded by a supporting cast of Italian American stars in a very personal tale of love, life, and last chances.   And, it all unfolds on Arthur Avenue, the famed thoroughfare at the heart of the Belmont neighborhood of the Bronx- the borough’s bustling “Little Italy”.

They’ll discuss how Bruzio’s upbringing as the son of Calabrese immigrants living on Arthur Avenue lead to his career in film, how he almost starred in “A Bronx Tale”, how he loves speaking Calabrese, the story behind his breakout film, his Italian and Italian American cinematic influences, and the future of Italian American portrayals in film.

It’s a thoughtful and engaging discussion you won’t want to miss!

Links & Resources:

• Robert Bruzio
• “Bottom of the 9th” Rotten Tomatoes
• “Bottom of the 9th” Roger Ebert
• “Bottom of the 9th” Is A Baseball Movie About Redemption- Forbes
• Saban Films Buys “Bottom of the 9th” with Joe Manganiello, Sofia Vergara- Variety

Episode Sponsors:

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