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Lucky's Lens - 8mm Projector

ABOUT
THE FILM

Lucky's Legacy: Bridging Cultures in Niagara Falls documentary project is made possible by the City of Niagara Falls Cultural Development Fund Macro Grant awarded in March 2024. This film will explore the life, work, and family history of Fortunato "Lucky" Stracuzzi, a prominent member and businessman of the Niagara Falls community. Born in Sicily, Lucky's immigration journey is representative of the countless nameless immigrants who made the arduous journey to move to Canada to seek new opportunities and, in doing so, risked the possibility of losing their ancestral heritage. This documentary will show one man's desire to preserve his cultural history through the backdrop of his new home in Niagara Falls. Lucky's camera lens offers a unique perspective at a time when accessibility to this technology was limited.

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Lucky's Lens is not just a documentary but a legacy that bridges cultures, celebrates diversity, and fosters a sense of belonging. This film will promote cultural inclusion, strengthen cultural partnerships, and preserve the history and identity of Niagara Falls in the process.

 

Our current digital culture is overwhelmed with disposal and transitory footage from cell phones and social media. As technology continues to advance, there is a critical need to preserve the past and provide a curated space for the future. There is a significant absence in historical footage available of Niagara Falls; as a result, a shared commitment to preserve the legacy of our city is of paramount importance. This documentary will provide us with a platform to continue to achieve our original concept to create and develop an inclusive historical video database of Niagara Falls and the Region.

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About Lucky’s Lens

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Lucky's Lens is a legacy project dedicated to preserving and celebrating the cultural heritage and stories of our communities through the art of cinematography. Our mission is to create a lasting legacy by capturing the essence of diverse cultures and fostering a sense of unity through the power of storytelling. We aspire to inspire, educate, and connect communities through film and photography.

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Culture:

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Culture is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that every community has a unique story to tell, and we are dedicated to preserving and sharing these stories through the art of cinematography. Our films celebrate the traditions, customs, and heritage of diverse cultures, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the world's cultural tapestry.

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Community:

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Community is the foundation of Lucky's Lens. We believe Lucky's passion for film stems from his love of people. He enjoyed the power of storytelling to connect people from all walks of life, transcending boundaries and building bridges between cultures. Through our edits/curating, we aim to create a sense of belonging and unity, empowering communities to share their voices and celebrate their identity on a global stage.

 

Cinematography:

 

Cinematography is our craft and our passion. We believe in the transformative power of visual storytelling to evoke emotions, spark conversations, and inspire change. From capturing breathtaking landscapes to intimate human moments, we strive to create cinematic experiences that resonate deeply with audiences and leave a lasting impression for years to come.

 

Who is Lucky?

 

Fortunato “Lucky” Stracuzzi was born on May 28, 1947 in Santa Lucia Del Mela, Sicily. His love of photography began at an early age. He continually encouraged his family to have portraits taken until he eventually began documenting life in the small Sicilian town on his own. In 1968, the eldest of five children, Lucky immigrated via his uncle to Niagara Falls, Canada.

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Within 5 years of landing, the natural entrepreneur learned English, met and married the love of his life Filomena, and started his first business, the Niagara Falls Dry Cleaners (later expanded to include The Leather Place, along with the original dry cleaning business) all while continuing to develop and share his love of photography with his family and friends. As the technology advanced and became accessible, Fortunato fell in love with videography. In 1986, he opened his second successful business, Stracuzzi Video Productions, to capture memories of private and public celebrations.

 

On a beautiful July day in 2022, our beloved Lucky passed on. Alongside beautifully preserved family footage we have also uncovered the original negatives, 8 and 16mm reel films, photo slide decks, audio cassettes, BETA and VHS tapes, mini DV, DVDs and some digital conversions spanning his entire creative career. Lucky loved to progress with technology as the elements of film and video matured.

MEET THE TEAM

Head Shot - Anthony Stracuzzi

Anthony Stracuzzi

Director

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Anthony Stracuzzi is a passionate creative whose love of music, art and community began as a child. Anthony loves to design, build and create with all types of mediums and materials. He is a first generation Italian Canadian born in Niagara Falls Ontario Canada. After graduating with a Bachelors of Engineering from Western University in 2007, Anthony began working in the Film and TV industry in various roles but is most well known as a Production Designer and Producer. After his eldest uncle passed away in 2022, Anthony began exploring his family’s history through film and photography archives.  

Michele Stracuzzi

Michele Stracuzzi

Executive Producer

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For more than twenty years, Michele Stracuzzi has been an integral part of Ace Construction Solutions, a cherished family enterprise. Armed with a Construction Management degree from the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Florida, Michele's journey took an unexpected turn at 27 with a diagnosis of a rare arthritis condition, curtailing his physical abilities in construction. Undeterred, Michele embarked on a new path, enrolling in the Cardiovascular Technician program at Santa Fe College in Gainesville, aiming to transition into the medical realm. Along this transformative journey, he stumbled upon kite boarding, a sport that not only revitalized his physical vigor but also reignited his passion for creativity.

Head Shot - Mitch Gall - Movie Maker Mitch

Movie Maker Mitch

Director of Photography

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My name is Mitchell Benjamin Gall, a professional cinematographer, storyteller, editor and producer. I am passionate about making meaningful contributions to the world around me. My vision is to create engaging media that inspires others to create positive change. I have a deep understanding of storytelling. I believe that good writing should always employ the power of character to execute a compelling story. I have an enhanced level of knowledge about lighting, composition and camera operating. Leading a vision that can be executed. Self Producing and funding projects while staying on time within budget and always exceeding expectations.

© 2024 Lucky's Lens.  All rights reserved.

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