A Letchworth filmmaker originally from the region of Italy hit by last week’s earthquake is set to hold a charity screening to raise money for the victims.
Gennaro Capasso, 45, came to England aged 20 from the port city of Pescara, less than 50 miles east of the earthquake’s epicentre near Amatrice.
His mum and sister are still in Pescara – and Gennaro says the tragedy has prompted him to turn the film ‘from a vanity project into a charity project’.
“I must have witnessed and experienced at least a dozen earthquakes while living in Italy as a child,” said Gennaro.
“We are kind of used to them over there, but none of my family or friends ever experienced what these poor people in Pescara Del Tronto and Amatrice have been through.
“It’s an absolute tragedy. People have lost their families, their homes and their businesses forever.”
Gennaro, who used to run Italian restaurants in London, has worked in recruitment for 18 years, but shooting a film has been his lifelong dream.
Since he moved to Letchworth three years ago to be near his in-laws in Hitchin, he has formed a huge circle of friends around The Fox at Willian gastropub – and he says the community is very similar to the one back where he grew up.
“The people there are genuine, loving people, exactly like in Letchworth,” he said.
“This is why I’m turning my little movie from a vanity project into a charity project.”
Gennaro started shooting his film a few weeks ago, and intends to have it finished within a couple of months.
He assembled his cast of local amateurs through his friends at The Fox, where some of the film’s scenes are shot. Others have allowed him to film in their homes and offices, and Graham Green from Hitchin’s Audi dealership is providing a car.
“I can only think all of this is happening because of the people I have met in Letchworth,” said Gennaro.
“I know I can do this because Letchworth is behind me.”
If you’d like to help Gennaro, you can call him on 07799 896414 or email gennaro@jwgc.co.uk.
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