July 12, 2025

RabbleRouse News

"The final Story, the final chapter of western man, I believe lies in Los Angeles." – Phil Ochs

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The World Premiere of Luca Perito’s Ciao, Mama

2 min read
Two men in suit and tie with purple background as they sit at a funeral in film poster for Ciao Mama

Luca Perito’s Ciao, Mama will have its world premiere tonight at Dances With Films in Hollywood. The feature length family drama film comes one year after star Johnny Wactor was tragically killed after working on the film. The General Hospital star, was shot dead after he encountered catalytic converter thieves in Los Angeles in 2024. Wactor’s family will attend to honor him in support of the screening.

Written by Perito, “Ciao, Mama” follows Tony Esposito (Micah Joe Parker) as he returns to his hometown in Long Island, New York, for the funeral of his beloved mother. After years spent in Los Angeles chasing his dreams, Tony is weighed down by guilt for not being there during her illness, a secret she kept, believing that goodbyes are pointless and don’t ease the pain of moving on. Instead, she held fast to the belief that carrying on the dream is what truly matters. As Tony reconnects with his past, he begins to understand that the relationships with those who know him best and have always supported him are what truly count.

At the heart of this realization is Marco, played by Johnny Wactor, a childhood friend battling addiction. Despite his struggles, Marco is full of love, and although Tony has been blind to it, Marco has always been there for Tony’s family. Now, as their lives overlap at a critical juncture, the two must rely on each other more than ever.

Johnny Wactor & Micah Joe Parker in Ciao, Mama

Cast

Set over one emotionally charged night, “Ciao, Mama” also stars Rebecca Radisic (Maquette), Alessia Franchin (The Dust of Time), Tom Martin (The Plot Against America), Emily Alabi (S.W.A.T.), Jeremy Luke (Don Jon), Pete Gardner (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend), and Katie Keene (Last Night on Earth).

Production Team

“Ciao, Mama” was produced by Colin Flynn, Viral Keshawalla, Micah Joe Parker, Luca Perito and Johnny Wactor, with sales and exhibition represented by Sebastian Twardosz of Savant Artists.

Dances With Films LA

Dances With Films, the long-running independent film festival in Los Angeles, is now taking place through June 29 at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.

For further information visit Ciao Mama Film Instagram Page

*Information courtesy EMR Media (Newswire) and Wildworks PR

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