SMS Faculty Member John Peter Didato Selected as Winner of 2019 Russo Brothers Italian American Film Forum for “Ciao, Sesame Street” Documentary
“Ciao, Sesame Street” a documentary directed by Professor John Peter Didato was selected as the winner of the 2019 Russo Brothers Italian American Film Forum. The award was announced by directors Anthony and Joe Russo (Avengers: Endgame) during The National Italian American Foundation’s 44th Anniversary Gala. Spearheaded by directors Anthony and Joe Russo in conjunction with the Italian Sons and Daughters of America and the National Italian American Foundation, the Russo Brothers Italian American Film Forum is an initiative to fund films depicting and exploring the Italian American experience for the benefit of future generations.
Ciao, Sesame Street! goes behind the scenes of Sesame Street to profile Italian Americans who have contributed to the success of the most beloved children’s show in television history. Over its 50-year history, many Italian American performers, writers, camera operators, producers and researchers have contributed to Sesame Street’s mission to create television that is not only fun but also educational. Some of these people have worked for decades on the television show or at the parent company, Sesame Workshop.