The Call for Italian-Australian Nostalgia: A Filmmaker's Journey to Preserve a Bygone Era
In a world where change is the only constant, some things are worth preserving. For Australian filmmaker Frank Lotito, the call to action was to save a piece of history - the humble Italian-Australian home. These homes, built by post-WWII southern European migrants, are becoming increasingly rare as they are sold, renovated, or demolished. But Lotito's quest to find the perfect setting for his film, Nonno, sparked a wave of nostalgia and a renewed interest in these unique homes.
The Time-Warp Homes: A Slice of History
These homes, often found in suburbs like Coburg, Leichhardt, and Balcatta, are time capsules from the 1970s and 1980s. They feature solid brick construction, Italian-inspired designs, and a sense of pride and wealth within the community. From lion-headed facades to ornate tiles and laminex kitchens, these homes reflect the tastes and labor of the European immigrants who built them.
A Call for a 'Lived-In and Loved' Home
Lotito's search for the perfect house for his film led him on a journey of discovery. He wanted a home that felt 'lived in and loved,' and after days of sifting through responses and visits, he found his dream house in Preston, Melbourne. The house, owned by the mother of his executive producer, Frank Monterosso, was a classic example of the era's architecture, with a brown double-fronted brick facade, white balustrades, and columns, and a 1970s laminex kitchen.
Preserving the Past, Embracing the Future
However, the preservation of these homes is a challenge. As younger generations opt for renovations or demolitions, the original homes are becoming rarer. But Lotito's quest has sparked a renewed interest in these homes, and buyers who can afford them are modernizing them rather than just moving in. The true time capsules, he says, are owned by people in their 80s who have maintained them since they were built.
A Legacy of Italian-Australian Nostalgia
As these homes are slowly phased out, stories of Italian-Australian nostalgia are reaching new generations. Comic acts like Sooshi Mango and social media accounts like Maddie and Nonna Fina are keeping the spirit of these homes alive. For Lotito, the key reason for making the film Nonno is the nostalgia people are feeling right now, a time when life was great and much simpler.
A Time Capsule for the Ages
In a world where change is the only constant, these homes represent a time when life was great and much simpler. Lotito's quest to preserve them is a reminder of the importance of preserving our history, even if it means letting go of some of the luxuries we have today. As he says, 'I feel like it’s a shame.'
