Events › FINDING THE ITALIANS

A GRANDDAUGHTER'S JOURNEY - a film by Giovanna Capone
Come learn about the history of Italian communities of the East Bay, both in Oakland and Albany. In Oakland Italian residents formed vibrant social clubs, such as the Fratellanza Club and the Colombo Club. In Albany early Italian residents established some of the city’s first businesses as well as a social hall that later became the Albany Theater. We’ll highlight this interesting heritage through an engaging film, discussion with memory sharing, and slideshow.

Through the eyes of one woman searching for answers, we learn the history of the Italians in Oakland, California, including the vibrant story of the Italian social clubs dating back to 1920 in North Oakland. Told from a personal point of view, we trace the journey of one woman, the filmmaker, whose grandparents came to New York a century ago as immigrants from southern Italy. We also learn why the Italians fled Italy and what they experienced when they arrived in the U.S. Seeking to understand her own life’s journey, she asks the pertinent question: How do you hold onto your culture in a new land? It's a question every granddaughter of immigrants must face.

Film length: 1 hour 42 minutes.

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