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 September 2007 Back to Table of Contents Back to Archives Main Page Section: Life & Leisure The Promised Land — Celebrating the Italian Pilgrimage By Christopher Schobert
The Buffalo area is no exception, and to commemorate and honor our past, the Federation of Italian-American Societies of Western New York will hold a Cent’anni Celebration from October 5-7, celebrating the organization’s historic one-hundredth anniversary. The weekend will include a very special world premiere of the film La Terra Promessa, a documentary film highlighting the story of Italian immigrants’ pilgrimage through Ellis Island to Western New York. The film is an interesting hybrid, featuring local residents in dramatic recreations, scenes from old family films and historic photographs. Produced by Convergence Media Networks and written and directed by Buffalo native Joey Giambra, the film features an original music score by Don Menza, another Buffalo native and a well-known musician. The result is “an historic chronicle of the Italian presence in Western New York,” says Donald Alessi, president of the Federation. The film will kick off the Cent’anni Celebration on October 5 with a premiere at Shea’s Performing Arts Center. A cocktail reception will follow, featuring music from Bobby Militello and the Phil Sims Big Band. October 6 will feature a parade down Hertel Avenue and the premier of Neal Radice’s Italian Serenade at Rockwell Hall. October 7 includes Mass at St. Anthony’s Church, a wreath-laying at the Columbus Monument, another musical production at Rockwell Hall and a 100th Columbus Day Gala at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens. Another aspect of the anniversary celebration is the creation of a keepsake book telling specific stories of family migration into America. It will include family histories submitted by Western New Yorkers, and along with the film, will help bring the narratives of Italian immigration to life for future genertaions enjoy. A DVD of La Terra Promessa will be available following its Buffalo premiere on www.fiaswny.com. The site also features more information on the weekend. Tickets for the film premiere may be purchased on the site, at www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling 668-9451. back to top back to table of contents Current Issue | About Forever Young | Where to Find | Advertise | Our Advertisers | Community Calendar | Contest | Clubs | Contact Us | Archives | Home |
