Ciao Sesame Street

Ciao Sesame Street is a documentary directed by John Didato that focuses on the involvement and influence of Italian-Americans on the show Sesame Street. The 30-minute film had won the 2019 Russo Brothers Italian American Film Forum; and it was subsequently showcased at the 2021 Florida Atlantic University Italian American Film Festival in April 2021 and the 2021 Astoria Film Festival in October 2021.

The documentary features behind the scenes footage from the set of Sesame Street along with extended interviews with Frank Biondo, Linda Bove, and Christine Ferraro. Individuals profiled who did not make the final cut include Stephanie D'Abruzzo, Rosemarie Truglio, and Richard Termine.

Frank Biondo

Linda Bove

Christine Ferraro

Description

“In every neighborhood there’s always an Italian section. This is true even on Sesame Street. 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. Ciao, Sesame Street! features interviewees who discuss their heritage, their history and their involvement in the process of making the longest-running children’s program in American history. The film focuses on three individuals: Frank Biondo, a camera operator who has worked on Sesame Street since day one; Linda Bove, a deaf actress who performed as Linda the Librarian from 1971 to 2002; and Christine Ferraro, a multiple Emmy Award winning writer who has written numerous Sesame Street episodes and specials. Their contributions to the development, writing, and production of Sesame Street have brought the life-changing benefits of early education to generations of kids around the world.”

External links

• Film Freeway Page - includes full documentary
• Official Facebook Page
• CUNY TV - John Peter Didato, “Ciao, Sesame Street!” Documentary | Italics