Directed by Jim Distasio and Mark McCutcheon (2009)
5,000 Miles From Home tells the riveting tale of a generation of Italian kids from the streets of Chicago who proudly answered the call to serve their country during World War II. Fra Noi, the Italian American newspaper in Chicago, played a pivotal role in the creation of the film. Many of the veterans interviewed for the documentary were initially the subjects of War Stories, a feature of Fra Noi. One of the driving forces behind the project was Jim Distasio, who interned at Fra Noi throughout college. From the start, Distasio and his fellow producer/director, Mark McCutcheon, made the decision to waive all compensation, devoting every penny raised to the project itself. Their devotion to the film is evident throughout the final product, a documentary that is both rich in history and deeply personal. As a filmmaker, Distasio has produced and directed several music videos, local commercials and corporate videos. 5,000 Miles From Home marks his feature film debut. (65 minutes)
Q & A with Music Director JoAnne Robertozzi will follow.
