SOMEWHERE IN QUEENS

Leo Russo (Ray Romano) lives a simple life in Queens, New York with his wife Angela (Laurie Metcalf), their shy, anxious son “Sticks” (Jacob Ward), and Leo’s close-knit network of Italian-American relatives and neighborhood friends. Happy enough working under his father (Tony Lo Bianco) and younger brother (Sebastian Maniscalco) at the family construction business, Leo lives each week for Sticks’ high-school basketball games. The flow of the game being the one place where Sticks loses his inhibitions and both father and son can revel in the cheers of the hometown crowd. When Sticks’ final game produces a surprising and life-changing opportunity to play basketball in college, Leo jumps at the chance to give his son a different life, away from the family construction business. But when first love threatens to derail his plans, Leo goes to unexpected lengths to keep his son on this new path. Making his impressive feature directorial debut, which he also co-wrote and stars in, Queens native Romano has crafted a heartfelt and funny ode to the ties that bind us. Co-written by Mark Stegemann, and featuring Sadie Stanley, Jennifer Esposito, Dierdre Friel, Jon Manfrellotti, Tony Lo Bianco. Produced by MFF Advisory Board Members Albert Berger and Ron Yerxa (Nebraska, MFF2013), along with Ray Romano and Mark Stegemann.  

Q & A with Ray Romano and filmmakers following the Saturday night Centerpiece screening. Moderated by The Washington Post's Ann Hornaday.