Filmography
The North End
In 1996, after working as an assistant on Martin Scorsese's Casino, Frank Ciota returned to Boston where he and his brother set about to develop and produce a full-length feature film in Boston’s Little Italy, The North End. The low-budget indie was shot for under $100,000 and was subsequently released through National Amusements, the theatrical arm of media giant Viacom. The North End deals with the problems of love in a changing world where the traditional values that once held a community together are being threatened by a new breed of “immigrant”. Commenting of the film’s phenomenal grassroots success, National Amusements President Shari Redstone called The North End, “the most successful independent film we have supported.”
Ciao America
In 2000, the Ciota brothers began work on their first international feature film, Ciao America. The film, based loosely on Joseph’s experiences coaching American Football in Italy, is the story of a young Italian-American who travels to Italy at the behest of his grandfather whereupon he finds work, love and eventually learns the true value of family. The film was shot entirely on location in Italy and features an international cast which includes, Giancarlo Giannini, Paul Sorvino, Maurizio Nichetti and newcomers, Eddie Malavarca, and Violante Placido. The film’s original soundtrack, composed by Andrea Morricone, also features music from contemporary Italian artists the likes of Carmen Consoli, Nek and Zucchero. Ciao America opened on a limited release through National Amusements in five cities in September of 2002 where it received rave reviews including 3 ½ Stars from The Boston Herald’s James Verniere.
Stiffs
Following the success of Ciao America, the Ciota brothers returned to Boston in 2006 to write and direct the independent film Stiffs. The dark comedy follows the adventures of three down-on-their-luck hearse drivers who work for a neighborhood funeral home. When business suffers and their livelihoods are threatened, they come up with a plan to keep the business “in the black”. Starring Danny Aiello, Jon Polito and Leslie Ann Warren, the film also features an original score by Italian composer Giuliano Taviani as well as the music of The Gipsy Kings.