“To Find Her is inspired by the life of my Italian grandfather who passed away in the first week of the 2020 lock down. It would be an understatement to say how much this film means to me, and the healing it provided during the script writing process. However, it has since evolved into more than a singular story about my grandfather; as more people learn of and join this project, there is an exchange of shared lived experiences involving grief and love, providing a safe catharsis in only the way art can.”

— Sonia Gemmiti

Synopsis:
Meet Santino, an Italian immigrant living his final years with the disease, crafting a makeshift boat to reunite with his love, Maria, accompanied by two puppets; a stuffed cat and ceramic wiener dog. This film is a non-linear timeline intertwines myth and reality, unveilingmoments from war-torn Italy to love-filled days in Canada. He is guided by his loyal and caring companions—a stuffed orange cat and a ceramic wiener dog each brought to life through puppetry. Together, they explore the poignant intersecting moments of his life, identity, and love as experienced from Santino’s point of view, as his memories and reality become enmeshed.

As we seek creative and collaborative partnerships, please contact us to find ways to support this project.