The private screening of the movie “Feast of the Seven Fishes” took place Thursday evening at the Pittston Memorial Library for about 150 locals. This screening was different, though, since the writer/director and producer sat in the same room with the audience.
Robert Tinnell and his brother Jeff brought the film to Pittston before it goes nationwide in select theaters on Nov. 15.
Robert wrote and directed the film while Jeff produced it.
The Tinnells grew up in West Virginia which, ironically enough, has a large Italian population somewhat like Greater Pittston.
When you view the movie, you get the feeling it could have been shot in Pittston, especially with a river always in aerial views of the town where the movie is set. It could have been easily been the Susquehanna River.
I asked Jeff if their last name had been “Americanized” like many surnames in our area. He chuckled and said his mother was Italian but his father was not. In the movie, the main character Tony Oliverio and his family are on the eve of celebrating the Feast of the Seven Fishes. Oliverio, incidentally, is the brothers’ mom’s maiden name.
The movie started around 7 p.m. and I only had about 45 minutes to watch the movie before I had to leave. The film is 99 minutes long so I essentially got to see only half of it.
The film started a bit slow in the beginning but it wasn’t long before I was fully engulfed in it.
There were plenty of laughs in the movie that, perhaps, only Italians could find humorous — like the great-grandmother’s ease of using curse words.
Those watching the movie that night who may not be fluent in Italian surely recognized some of the, let’s say, Italian phraseology.
The movie isn’t all about fish; there is a love story intertwined, as well.
I’ll certainly look forward to seeing the last half of the movie at some point in time.
The movie was to be played outdoors at The Slope Amphitheater capable of seating 300 people but, because of high winds and chilly temperatures, was moved indoors.
As Mayor Mike told me, every piece of furniture in the library’s community room had to be removed and filled with temporary folding chairs to seat 200.
A few meat and cheese platters and pizza were provided as were specialty wines from award-winning winemaker Leo Sperrazza.
What would a movie be without popcorn? Yes, even popcorn was provided and all of it – the wine, pizza, meats and cheese platter and popcorn – was free.
Mayor Lombardo made mention before the movie started about how a permanent theater in the city would have been a perfect choice for the private screening. I couldn’t agree more.
There are some detractors for a movie theater downtown but, honestly, it would be such a great focal point for all things official, especially during the winter months.
Those who know their local history know that just about every town in Greater Pittston had its own movie theater at one time.
I do hope the city finds a way to make a theater happen where all parties involved will be happy.
I’m not sure if “Feast of the Seven Fishes” movie will play in our area theaters, but if it doesn’t and it goes to DVD, you have to rent or buy the film. You won’t regret it.
Good luck to the Tinnells nationwide on Nov. 15. I hope the movie is a smash.
Cut tuition?
I never thought I’d see it in my lifetime, but a local college cut its tuition rates almost in half this past week.
Next year, the students at Keystone College will pay $14,000 per year instead of $25,000. College officials are not calling it a reduction, but a reset.
There are plenty of things I’d love to see reduced, including my waistline, but to see college tuition cut is a crazy good notion.
Going to college these days would be nearly impossible for me with tuition, room and board topping off at around $50,000 per year. That’s just criminal. How are college graduates expected to complete school and get a job to pay off their student loans? There are probably plenty of you paying a mortgage with a lower monthly payment than someone graduating from college.
Think about it. Someone with a four-year degree is possibly looking at a $200,000 college bill to repay. Again, most of us in Greater Pittston don’t live in $200,000 homes.
It was suggested that Keystone College is struggling financially and the tuition cut happened to attract future students.
Perhaps it’s time for other college institutions to follow suit and get back in the reality game so college could be affordable for all.
Wouldn’t it be nice if other things could be rolled back, like taxes? A guy can dream, can’t he?
Quote of the week
“You can only become truly accomplished at something you love.” – Maya Angelou
Thought of the week
“A single rose can be my garden … a single friend, my world.” – Dr. Leo Buscaglia
Bumper sticker
“Half the people you know are below average.” – Stephen Wright
