Q&A WITH FILMMAKER JOHN MARTOCCIA

  

1. 1)What made you decide to become a filmmaker?
   

I decided to become a filmmaker when I understood that through God's grace I had something to say and that filmmaking is a powerful medium to convey such messages. Initially I resisted the calling - I lived a quiet, simple life and knew that it would bring trials and tribulations - but to say no to filmmaking would be saying no to God, and I could not do that since I try to live my life in accord with God's will.  

2. 2)How did the idea of Vito Bonafacci come to you? 
   

The idea of Vito is based on my own personal experiences and the conversion that took place in my life. Much of the film is a reflection of who I was and who I am today. We have a tendency to lead superficial lives based on a sensual gratification as a way to fill the spiritual void. To fill this emptiness, we seek out without moderation, the "things of the world". Not willing to probe the depths of life's true purpose, we become enslaved by the very things that we think will bring us joy without truly reflecting on their temporal nature. So the idea of Vito was to create a character, whom many people could identify with, as a springboard to help them examine their own lives.

3. 3)Who is Vito Bonafacci?
   

Vito is everyone -- there's a little Vito in all of us.  

4. 4) As a first-time filmmaker what were some of the challenges you faced?
   

Making a film is truly a collaborative process - so I had to reach outside of self and depend on others to help create this vision, which turned out to be a huge problem because of the difficulty I had in finding people with integrity. I literally made thousands of telephone calls trying to put this puzzle together called a "movie". I have no technical skills, in fact I don't own or know how to operate a computer - so in a highly technological world of modern filmmaking, I was somewhat disadvantaged. Making a film is much more of a challenge than I anticipated, and to bring your conceptualization into a reality you have to live and breathe the project.  

5. 5)Did you ask God for guidance in the making of this film?
   

Most definitely -- in fact God is the author. Spent much time in prayer in front of the Blessed Sacrament.  

6. 6)Tell us about the casting process.
   

Casting was much more difficult than I anticipated. I knew what I wanted but knowing and finding the actors to fit within the context of this vision was quite a task. Especially difficult was finding "Vito", but thanks to God, it all came together when Carlo Fiorletta, of the Guild of Italian American Actors, put me in touch with Paul Borghese (Vito). Paul came to Utica for the audition and I knew instinctively he was right for the part.  

7. 7)Was there a religious atmosphere on the set?
   

Yes. There was much prayer on the set. In fact, when Paul Borghese's dad had a heart attack during the first day of shooting we came together in prayer. There were conversations of a spiritual nature during breaks, obviously facilitated by the nature of the project. And having an actual priest on set, who plays the priest in the film, touched the souls of many -- I witnessed one actor really opening up to Father Dellos. In fact I was short with a few people and went to confession during a break from a Father Dellos/ Vito scene. Also, upon arrival at St. Joseph's/ St. Patrick's to shoot the church scene one of the crew members, who was not a Catholic, broke down in tears after a visit to the church's adoration chapel. These are just a few instances of the many that were happening on set.  

8. 8)What do you wish for people to take away from this film?
   

That there is a purpose in life, that there is more to life than the material realm, and that we have a responsibility to seek truth. When I was an agnostic I would ask God to "show me if you exist". Our Lord tells us "ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and the door shall be opened". Hopefully, through God's grace, "Vito" will bring many to receive, find, and have the doors of eternal life opened for them. 

9. 9)Who do you think is the audience for Vito Bonafacci?
   

Personally I feel the audience for "Vito" is far greater than just Catholics. There have been positive responses from many non-Catholics including Jewish viewers. I also believe that Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and other faiths, and those without any faith may enjoy the film. When I was creating "Vito", I considered the fact that some people may find the film didactic, but then I thought that if I were to watch a film about the Jewish, Islam, or any faith, I would be interested in understanding why they believe the way they do. So I think that "Vito" which incorporates Catholic teachings within a fictional context should be welcomed.  

10. 10) What do you think about the type of films that are being made today?
    

The vast majority of films being produced today glorify aspects of our culture, which make a mockery of traditional values, that as a practicing Catholic I find offensive. Unfortunately, such films impact our culture in a way that impoverishes viewers, especially our vulnerable and impressionable youth. It's sad that artistically gifted filmmakers are using their God given gifts to undermine the very source of their gifts.  

11. 11) Why do you think there are so few openly Catholic filmmakers in the business?
    

Jesus states that he came "as a sign of contradiction". Hence, the prevailing norm in our culture, even among secularized Catholics, is at odds with Catholic Christian values. Therefore the most likely way to "succeed" is to give the power brokers and moviegoers what they want. So to be an openly Catholic filmmaker means limited opportunities for distribution, film festival acceptance, artistic approbation from artists, etc. However, "success" is a loaded word. As far as I'm concerned "Vito" is a huge success because I know of many souls whose lives have been touched by "Vito". 

12. 12) What are you working on next? And is it your intention to only make faith-based films?
    

My next project is called "Death of a Tree" which, God willing, I plan to begin shooting this June. It's a film that addresses self-righteousness and human frailty, within the context of God's mercy. True art is based on personal experience and self identity - so unequivocally, as a practicing Catholic, all future films will be faith based. Before my conversion I had a strong identity with being Italian American, but now my true identity is being Roman Catholic.