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- Italian Roots Newsletter May 2026
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Undesirables Enters Post-Production, Illuminating the Untold Story of Early Italian Immigration
Asbury Park, NJ — [May 4 2026] — The filmmaking team behind The Undesirables is proud to announce that the project has officially entered post-production, marking a major milestone in bringing this deeply personal and historically significant story to life.
Born from a shared passion for heritage and storytelling, The Undesirables explores the early experiences of Italian immigrants in America—men and women who left everything behind in search of opportunity, only to face hardship, prejudice, and the challenge of preserving their identity in a new world.
“We are incredibly excited about our rich history and are wholeheartedly dedicated to sharing our vibrant story with future generations,” said the filmmakers. “As proud grandchildren of Italian immigrants, we understand the importance of preserving the legacies of those who came before us.”
The film is rooted in real voices and lived experiences. It reflects the struggles and triumphs of a generation whose resilience and determination helped shape communities across the United States. Their stories—often passed down through families—form the emotional backbone of the project.
Now in post-production, the team is focused on refining the film through editing, color correction, and sound enhancement to ensure the final product fully captures the depth and authenticity of these narratives. In parallel, efforts continue to connect with Italian-American individuals and families whose stories add invaluable perspective to this historical journey.
“This project is truly a labor of love,” the team shared. “We are donating our time, resources, and passion to ensure these stories are preserved and shared in a meaningful way. There is still important work ahead to bring the film to its full potential.”
The Undesirables is led by a team with diverse and complementary backgrounds:
Michael Cavalieri — Actor/Writer/Director, originally from New York. His directorial debut Ritornato received a special grant from the Russo Brothers, the National Italian American Foundation, and the Italian Sons and Daughters of America. Produced on a modest budget, the film achieved international festival success and was selected for the prestigious Taormina Film Festival in Sicily. Cavalieri has appeared alongside Academy Award-winner Hilary Swank in The Next Karate Kid and has worked with acclaimed director Walter Hill in Last Man Standing. His performances in numerous award-winning independent films have earned critical praise for their emotional depth and screen presence. Michael’s other films include “La Porta Del Inferno” and “Sulfer Road” released late 2025.
Bob Sorrentino — Former Operations and IT Executive Director at JPMorgan Chase, where he led global initiatives for over four decades. Since retiring, Bob has dedicated himself to researching Italian genealogy and building platforms for others to share their stories. He is the creator of the Italian Genealogy blog, podcast, and YouTube channel, and has interviewed hundreds of authors, filmmakers, and researchers. His Italian Roots and Genealogy community continues to grow, connecting thousands who share a passion for heritage. He is also the author of Farmers and Nobles and You Can Bank On It.
Joe Tucciarone — Science illustrator, author, and historian with an extensive academic and professional background. His work has appeared in publications such as National Geographic and Time Magazine, and in films including Deep Impact. Joe’s research into Italian immigration, particularly in the Mahoning Valley, has resulted in published works that explore the early migration experience and the challenges faced by Italian laborers. His visual storytelling and historical insight bring a unique dimension to the project.
Together, the team is working to document and preserve first-hand accounts from Italian-Americans whose families experienced the early 20th-century immigration wave. These voices offer a rare and invaluable window into the past—one that continues to shape identity and culture today.
While the filmmakers recognize that not everyone is in a position to contribute, they encourage those who share a passion for heritage and storytelling to follow the film’s journey, spread the word, and engage with the project as it moves toward completion.
“If you are as passionate about your heritage as we are, you will love this film,” the team added.
For updates, press inquiries, or to learn more about The Undesirables, please contact:
[Bob Sorrentino or Joe Tucciarone]
View the sizzle reel below.
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The Thaw of the Game - - By Dr. Ed Iannuccilli
Baseball is here. I can hear the rhythm of leather and the crack of wood. When I was a kid, baseball was predominant.
Miss C, my favorite teacher in junior high school loved poetry and never failed to read a poem at the start of every English class. One day, she read Casey at the Bat, and I was enthralled. Well, at baseline, I was enthralled with her. Casey was added value.
I was captured by the poem and felt part of the Mudville crowd . . . ten thousand eyes and five thousand tongues . . . cheering The Man, Casey.
Like my favorite player, Ted Williams, Casey was a Goliath, and he had to succeed. There was nothing else but winning. My excitement turned to shock when Miss C read, But there is no joy in Mudville, mighty Casey has struck out. My gluteal muscles contracted as I jumped in my seat breathless, “He struck out?!
“Yes, Edward, he struck out. Calm down.” I loved her.
And so, now in late winter, though March madness is just underway, the Celtics and Bruins are still playing, and the Boston Marathon is a bit in the distance, thoughts of baseball creep into my head.
I have to add my recent piece, “A Piece of the Park” in RI News Today
I remember summers at the Rhode Island shore with my dad hunched over the radio, attached to his losing Red Sox. He was a lone Sox fan as most of hius friends loved the Yankees. So, Dad heard the Sox drown year after year.
Spring feels closer today. I’ve seen the early blooms of crocuses, and I’m anticipating the pop of blossoms.
In the springs of my youth, the mitts and bats stored in the cellar would awaken like sleeping bears, frogs and baby chicks.
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Away went the heavy coats, hats, scarves, and gloves. We spent hours outside, taped old balls, rubbed new ones, Neatsfoot oiled our gloves. We played catch and took some batting practice, toting an old bat with a nail driven into the sweet spot for the “pop.”
Courtesy of RI News Today
Not all baseball springs were easy. When my children were playing, my Dad and I watched many a game in frigid temperatures. Clad in winter coats and heavy gloves, we often hustled back to the car to turn on the engine and thaw. The cold aluminum stands had the same physical properties as the new aluminum bats; one stung hands, the other bums.
The knock of the wooden bat was now the ring of metal, and a high-pitched ping it was. Feeling bad for the players and a little guilty (not much) for warming ourselves, we eventually returned to sit on those cold stands or stand behind the home plate fence.
I can still see the players.
The first baseman was wearing a hooded sweatshirt under his uniform. The second baseman wore a toque and a windbreaker. The guy at third had a heavy sweater. The batters swung as if they needed grease. The pitcher blew into his hand. The outfielders were jumping up and down.
A Gemini generated cartoon
The coaches wore mittens and clapped a lot. “Hurry up, Kid! Throw the ball,” barked the shivering umpire. “We gotta get outta here. Strike! Close enough.”
So what if we sat on cold bleachers, swinging our arms to keep warm or running back to the warm car. No matter. Dad and I were back on a ball field watching the kids in the spring of our lives. Together.
Baseball seems to wake everything in nature … trees, grasses, flowers, animals, players, fans … from the long sleep of winter.
As Milton Bracker wrote in his poem,
And tossing the ball out
And yelling Play Ball!
(Who cares about fall-out-
At least, until fall?)
Let nothing sour
This sweetest hour;
The baseball season’s
Back in flower!
Get out those gloves and bats! Play ball! The right of spring means allegiance,
To the game
To the kids
To our memories
To Dad . . .
Italian Beef Stew with Peas / Spezzatino con Piselli
This is a very simple recipe for a stew that is slightly different than your standard beef, potatoes and carrots!
I hope you like it!
Please note... the ingredient amounts are approximate. No real rules on this one. So make it how you think you will like it! ---and don't be afraid to just do it!
Spezzatino con Piselli
about 2 lbs of beef. (you can use "stew" meat or any other roast cut up in pieces)
1-2 carrots finely chopped... even grated if you like!
1-2 stalks celery finely chopped
1/2-1 onion diced
1/2-3/4 cup white wine
about 2 cups of broth
1-2 cups of fresh or frozen peas (up to you!)
flour (enough to coat the meat--I would start with 1/2 cup and add more if needed)
about a tablespoon or two of tomato paste. (the kind in the tube is the best but you can use any or none!)
Salt and Pepper to taste
Cut the beef and dredge with flour. Shake off any excess.
Brown the meat in a nice heavy pot with olive oil.
Once meat is browned on all sides add the wine.
Now add the carrots, celery and onions. Let them cook with the meat until soft.
Add the broth and the tomato paste. Stir around until all melded together.
Cover and let simmer for about an hour and a half.
Stir it occasionally and add more broth if needed.
Once it's done. Add peas.
Let cook for 5 more minutes.
Serve!
You can serve over rice or with a nice thick slice of Italian bread on the side!
Buon Appetito!
Love,
Dorina
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