Caffè Italia, Montréal

Avoiding the pitfalls of nostalgia, Paul Tana paints an endearing and nuanced portrait of the Italians of Montreal that mixes archival footage, fiction, personal testimonies and excerpts of a stage play. From the first waves of immigration of the early 20th century to the concert of young rock musician Aldo Nova, the film highlights with touches of humour the contradictions of Quebecois Italians; deeply torn between their attachment to their homeland and their need to be wholly accepted by quebecois society.

Co-presented with Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Montréal and Tënk as part of the Regards italiens de Montréal series.