MEN OF THE CLOTH PREMIERS IN WASHINGTON

As some of you know, filmmaker Vicki Vasilopoulos (left), sent the following invitation to AMHS through our Facebook page: “I am the director and producer of the documentary film MEN OF THE CLOTH, an inspiring portrait of three Italian master tailors. The film unravels the mystery of their artistry and reveals how their passionate devotion to their Old World craft is akin to a religion.

The film resonates deeply with ItalianAmericans and individuals who love Italian culture. Two of my characters, master tailors Joe Centofanti and Checchino Fonticoli are from Penne, in Abruzzo, where the film is partially shot. I'd like to invite the members of the Abruzzo and Molise Heritage Society to the Washington, DC premiere of MEN OF THE CLOTH at the West End Cinema on Tuesday October 14th at 7 PM.” Those of us who took Ms. Vasilopoulos up on her invitation were rewarded by her moving documentary as well as her openness to chat.

Dora Leo Santacroce, a professional seamstress at Rizik, who like two of the tailors in the film, emigrated from Italy, found a lot in common with the characters. She too took up needle and thimble at a young age, in her case at age 12. She remembers her teacher, Teresa, who could measure a dress or jacket by putting a notch in a strip of newspaper. She was illiterate and never used a tape measure. Lourdes Tinajero and Ms. Vasilopoulos discussed the film’s title.

Ms. Tinajero noted that when she heard about the film and thought about the title MEN OF THE CLOTH, she found it connected strongly to the priesthood. After the film, she told Ms. Vasilopoulos that she felt the deep spirituality in each tailor. Ms. Vasilopoulos said she appreciated that recognition. “It’s not about mere employment, but about life,” she said adding, “and that is the source of their passion.”