 The movie Italian Americans and Federal Hill – produced and directed by Jon Raben has won interest and recognition from a number of Italian organizations and the Audience Choice Award for Best Documentary, First Place by the 2007 Rhode Island International Film Festival.
The film is about Providence, Rhode Island’s Federal Hill. This “Little Italy” is one of America’s most storied neighborhoods and the story includes the traditions and challenges of Italian Americans whose ancestors immigrated for a better future.
Once a bustling Italian enclave of cold water flats and peddlers, Federal Hill now features upscale restaurants and markets known throughout the world. For immigrants challenged by poverty, the language barrier and discrimination, hard work and education became the paths to a better life. Today, Italian Americans from Federal Hill are among the mainstream and elite of society.
Italian Americans and Federal Hill produced and directed by Jon Raben features personalities with ties to Federal Hill including three former Providence Mayors, a Rhode Island lieutenant governor and a Providence City Council President. Also included are an historian, a judge and a US Ambassador, as well as priests, artisans, entrepreneurs and other Italian Americans.
Attacking stereotypes, this moving and lively depiction of the Italian American experience was filmed on location in historic Federal Hill. The original soundtrack features traditional Italian Folk and classical music recorded live.
“… Rich and Fascinating …” - Michael Janusonis, The Providence Journal
”… Remarkable Documentary …” - Frances Syner, The Federal Hill Gazette
“… Best Documentary, Audience Choice Award…” - Rhode Island International Film Festival
“… The dramatic story of Providence’s Little Italy from its origins to modern times.” - Italian America Magazine | 
