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Di Sarno- The story of Emilio's Ballato

A New York institution hidden in plain sight

Overview

Genre
Lifestyle, Human Interest, Biography, and Personal Doc
Synopsis

If you walk down Manhattan’s Houston street, you probably won’t notice this restaurant- unless you wonder what all these people are standing in line for.
It’s a place that’s unpretentious, yet a celebrity hangout.
It’s famous, yet most people have never heard about it.
It’s an Instagram spot, yet the owner doesn’t have a mobile phone.

Emilio learned to read from recipe books and to cook from his mother. His influence is everywhere- from the food to the smallest details in the restaurant.

The connection to Southern Italy runs deep. Emilio was born in the San Marzano area, home of the famous tomatoes. Gioacchino, his brother-in-law still grows them there for him.

The passion this family pours into the restaurant is what makes it magical.

Stage
finished
Running time
10 minutes

Credits

Production Details

Prod. Co.
Ninetynine Films
Country
United States
Years of Production
2023
Locations
New York, NY USA | Sarno, Italy

Distribution Details

Release year
2023
Festivals
AmDocs, Short Shorts and Asia, St. Louis Film Festival, Sidewalk
Awards
Best Documentary Short/St. Louis International Film Festival
Language
English

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