This documentary short features Ralph Rotella, who plies the craft of shoe repair while offering kindness and a sense of community to his customers and the residents of Syracuse, New York.
Since emigrating to the U.S. from Italy in the 1970s, Rotella has owned Discount Shoe Repair in downtown Syracuse. Each day he opens the store, fixes shoes, works with his hands using antiquated equipment, and converses with customers. In his daily interactions with people, Rotella reveals himself to be a witty, beatific figure who draws people to himself, building a sense of community with his shoe repair shop as a hive of activity. The film examines the value of work and what constitutes happiness, while also honoring an unsung hero in the Central New York community.
Directed by Francis DiClemente and Shane Johnson
Produced by Francis DiClemente
Cinematography and Editing by Shane Johnson
Awards:
Winner: Best Director, Short Films
New York Documentary Film Awards (2024)
Gold Remi Award in Film & Video Productions, sub-category Community
57th WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival (2024)
Film Festivals:
New York Documentary Film Awards
NewFilmmakers NY, Spring 2024 Screening Series
57th WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival
Culver City Film Festival