How to Grow a Fig Tree

Richard Signorelli has always been a screenwriter with a passion for bringing the culture out of the chaos trying to retain what is left of the American Italian culture trying to break the stereotype that all Italian Americans are mobsters. But what happens when the pursuit for meaning and belonging spiral in to despair? Richard delves into the emotional complexities of this question with his latest project, How to Grow a Fig Tree.

Based on a story that is loosely based on his life, How to Grow a Fig Tree follows two men, one at the beginning of his life and the other near his end. Widowed Grandfather Jack (Izzy Poidomani) is wracked with despair trying to cope with the death of his beloved wife while trying to raise his out of control grandson Michael (Chris Bashinelli) who struggles between an urge to find himself or just leave everything he has ever known for a better life, outside the close knit neighborhood. Richard along with director Michael J. Arbouet hopes the movie will make audiences look at family and culture in a new way. I saw this moving and powerful short film at the 2007 Long Island Big Fish Film Festival and was left wanting to see more. I was shocked after talking to the writer Richard Signorelli, when I found out that Izzy Poidomani the actor that played the grandfather never acted a day in his life. His performance was moving. Michael J. Arbouet directed the film with a beautiful eye and style that puts you in the film with these people and exposes you to their lives. I also found out that his short is actually based on a feature film Richard Signorelli is working on and that How to Grow a Fig Tree is part of a trilogy that he is working on. I'm not sure what other festivals this film will be showing at but if you are looking to see something new and fresh, I highly recommend this film.

First, let me say that for a tiny budget the filmmakers really ramp up the drama. The story is very character driven which is something you rarely see in short films these days. Most filmmakers feel the need to lace their films with cheap special effects and gimmicks. The realistic portrayal of family secrets and relationships are the strongest elements.

Second, I think it's refreshing to see a side of Italian American culture that doesn't involve guns, drugs or violence. The filmmakers finest touch was to have their actors perform part of their dialog in Italian, brilliant! Izzy Poidomani, who is not a professional actor, turns in a touching performance. Meanwhile, Sal Sirchia, shines in a very powerful performance.

However, the breakthrough performance of the entire film comes from Chris Bashinelli, a new comer. I think this kid's got good acting chops. Overall I would say that this film is an excellent festival piece and I hope it makes the rounds.