The independent cinema scene has once again proven its ability to breathe fresh life into long-standing genres with the recent release of “Bless Me Father“, a movie that boldly reinvents the mafia genre. This debut film from the burgeoning Paper Cinema has already won numerous accolades, signaling a promising future for the production company. The movie is now available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.

“Bless Me Father”, an Italian mobster movie set in the present day, plunges into the life of a hitman working for the mob boss who murdered his father. This heart-rending tale presents a man’s confessions to a priest and the moral dilemma he faces: avenge his father’s death or risk everything to save his soul. This poignant narrative has earned the film a niche among independent cinema enthusiasts and Italian mafia genre aficionados.

Paper Cinema, which endeavors to democratize acting and filmmaking, took a unique approach to “Bless Me Father”. The cast isn’t made up of seasoned actors but rather the filmmakers themselves, along with their friends and family members. The result is a raw, intense, and intimate portrayal that has resonated deeply with audiences.

Gianni and Milly-May McLaughlin, co-operators of Paper Cinema, spotlight “Bless Me Father” as one of the first Italian mafia neorealism films of the modern era. “The priest is played by my actual father. The mother is played by my mother, Yolanda Cuomo, the founder of Paper Cinema; and the grandfather character is played by my actual grandfather John Cuomo,” shares Gianni McLaughlin.

This novel approach has paid off, with “Bless Me Father” winning several awards including Best Feature Film at the New Jersey Film Awards (2022), the New York Neorealism Film Awards, and the Vesuvius Film Festival. It was also honored with the Best Indie Feature at the London Movie Awards, Best Ensemble Cast at the New Jersey Film Awards, Best Actor at the New York Neorealism Film Awards, and a slew of other awards in various categories such as Best Acting, Best Editing, Best Director, and Best Debut Feature.

Another notable aspect of “Bless Me Father” is its production narrative. The film was born out of a unique circumstance. When Gianni and Milly-May McLaughlin’s wedding was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they took the funds they had saved and invested it into making the movie. This origin story imbues the film with a strong sense of passion and commitment, as well as a connection to the events that have defined our modern era.

The film has received a groundswell of positive reviews from critics and reviewers on IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes, and Amazon Prime Video. It has also been featured in major press publications, like Us Weekly Magazine, Entertainment Monthly News, and Hudpost. This attention has led to significant recognition for the up-and-coming Paper Cinema, spotlighting their potential in a fiercely competitive industry. The success of “Bless Me Father” also opens the door to future collaborations and investments, increasing Paper Cinema’s visibility in the international film industry.

The triumph of “Bless Me Father” has placed Paper Cinema on the map, setting a strong precedent for the quality and depth of their future productions. As the accolades continue to roll in, anticipation grows for what the company will produce next.

And it seems the team at Paper Cinema is more than ready to meet this challenge. “We’re already planning our next feature film,” Gianni McLaughlin reveals. “‘La Sirena’, a mystery sci-fi set in the gulf of Naples, under Italy’s Mount Vesuvius, will explore the tumultuous relationship between an enchanting siren and a local fisherman.”

He adds that Paper Cinema is also considering the creation of a series based on their 45-minute pilot, “The Sorrento Job”, released in 2020. The pilot served as a test run for the cast and crew that eventually formed the team behind “Bless Me Father”. It proved successful, leading to the three-year-long production of the feature film.

The success of “Bless Me Father” and the promise of their future projects hint at a bright future for Paper Cinema. With their commitment to innovative storytelling and raw, authentic performances, the McLaughlins and their team are sure to continue making waves in the independent film industry.

“Bless Me Father” is a testament to the power of indie filmmaking. It’s proof that passion, creativity, and a fresh perspective can shake up even the most established of genres. With its ground-breaking narrative and string of awards, it has set a new benchmark for what can be achieved within the mafia genre. As audiences and critics continue to heap praise on this indie hit, one thing is certain: “Bless Me Father” has indeed redefined the mafia genre, and the cinematic landscape is all the richer for it.

Website: https://www.blessmefathermovie.site/