Gordon DelGiorno has taken on film projects in the past. Yet when a friend approached him with a film idea, he certainly wasn’t expecting it to evolve into what is now The CANfather, an independent film paying homage to his hometown of Wilmington and the craft brewing scene, with plenty of laughs along the way.
“I was approached by a classmate, Matt Del Pizzo” says DelGiorno. “We went to high school together in the ’80s.” The former classmate asked DelGiorno if he would be interested in making a film about his craft beer can collection. The local filmmaker was unsure at first, not understanding the big deal about a bunch of cans. “But he’s whispering like he has some big secret,” he explains.
It turns out, beer cans are back in a big way. Thanks to craft brewers across the nation, contemporary beer cans have become a collector’s item for many beer enthusiasts. This realization and the events that followed would come to inspire a story told with the help of 160 local actors and locations throughout Wilmington.
The resulting independent film, The CANfather, is a tribute to Wilmington that is equally hilarious and heartwarming. The film synopsis offers a preview into the colorful and eclectic world created by DelGiorno and co-writer/producer Matt Del Pizzo.
“The BOTTLE and CAN battle for beer supremacy in the mafia-run town of Brewington, which is controlled by the three distributor families, The Biscottis, Tilapias, and Pistachios.
Will these two containers learn to co-exist… or will there be beer shed in the streets?”
The film is an absolute joy to watch, especially for Wilmington natives. You’re sure to recognize some of the faces and settings as the story unfolds.
“A Beer You Can’t Refuse”
The filmmakers partnered with Wilmington Brew Works to release the film alongside a beer with the same name. The film officially premiered in the brewery’s Alamo Room, where the audience enjoyed a can of The CANfather beer as they laughed and enjoyed the show.
@delawaretodaymagazine A film & beer collab you can’t refuse! @WilmingtonBrewWorks ♬ 1901 – Instrumental – Phoenix
While this exclusive Wilmington event sold out, this is just the first sip of a much bigger adventure. The CANfather beer and film are kicking off a Bottle vs. Can 2024 Great Northeast U.S. Tour, which promises to bring laughter and delicious brews to cities across the region. So, whether you’re a movie buff, craft beer connoisseur, or just looking for a night of good fun, keep an eye out for future events, and be sure to grab a CANfather beer at Wilmington Brew Works!
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