FINDING FAMIGLIA
Franco Sama
Consulting Producer
Producer Franco Sama, a Los Angeles based independent film producer has an extensive history in motivational and inspirational speaking and is an expert in feature film development, production and financing for over two decades. He is a proud member of the Producer's guild of America (PGA) where he serves as Chairman of the Member Events Comm and has Executive Produced and/or co-produced an impressive array of over 25 successful independent feature films. He is CEO of Samaco Films LLC. Find his extensive credits listed on IMDb. Check out Samacofilms.com
Elizabeth Blake - Thomas
Director
Director Elizabeth Blake-Thomas is a British award winning filmmaker and philanthropist based in Los Angeles. She is the founder and resident director of entertainment company Mother & Daughter Entertainment, whose motto is "Making Content That Matters", putting focus on each project starting a conversation amongst viewers. Being a female director, Elizabeth strives to make projects with at least a 50/50 female cast and crew. A regular on panels at Sundance, Cannes and Toronto International Film Festival, Elizabeth mentors whenever possible, ensuring she sends the elevator back down to all other female directors and filmmakers. Find her extensive credits on IMDb and check out Motherdaughterent.com
Alice Manica
Writer, Executive Producer
Alice Manica's dream of publishing the novel Finding Alma : An Italian Journey was conceived shortly after her visits to Europe in the 1970s. After lying dormant for almost four decades, the dream became a reality in 2016. During the Covid years, the book inspired her to write the screenplay for Finding Famiglia, a female empowerment, coming of age story about cross cultural friendship, family commitment and overcoming the struggles and celebrating the joys of life. Alice and her company Finding Famiglia LLC is overjoyed now with the opportunity to tell this beautiful story in a feature film. As a self described "late bloomer" with her writing projects, she feels fortunate to have a stellar team with her to bring this story to the screen. Alice wishes to thank all the mentors, actors, writers, family and friends who have encouraged, inspired and supported her in this project. She continues to enjoy traveling and making new friends around the world and pursuing her projects.
A message from our director
