My Inspiration

Writer/Director Michael Cavalieri:

"I am a proud Sicilian-American who had a dream that one day I would go back and retrace the footsteps of my Grandfather Agatino Alibrandi. This dream became a reality when I went back to my roots and I shot my first film “Ritornato" in honor of him and my late mother Mary.

I was inspired to tell the story of my Grandfather who I grew up idolizing. He taught me some of the best lessons of my life as a young boy. He was born in 1900 in the humble mountain town of Limina, Sicily. He bravely immigrated to New York City in 1920 without speaking a lick of English. He gave up his Italian citizenship to give us a chance at a better life. His journey across the ocean gave us five generations of people. For that I will always be grateful. This story is not only for me, but for all the generations who came before us and the sacrifices they made.  We must always remember our past because it informs our future.  Too often people neglect their past and forget their ancestors. 

I hope that my story can awaken and inspire other Sicilian/Italian-Americans of my generation to search for their roots and tell their stories of whatever struggles or accomplishments their families have made.  Remember, it was not too long ago that we were considered slaves to some or the unwanted immigrant. But, the passion, the love, the hard work and the relentless pursuit of a dream of those immigrants paved the way for a new America.  Remember Ellis Island... I do."