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THE JOURNAL
A DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKER'S BLOG
NEW YORK CHARLOTTESVILLE VALENCIA
FEATURE ESSAY
The numbers do not fully absorb. As of this writing, 1,783 cultural heritage sites have been damaged or destroyed in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. Among them, 46 have been completely erased. The Ministry of Culture counts 346 artists and 132 media workers dead. PEN Ukraine had already reached 102 cultural figures killed by the end of 2024, and the count has not stopped. These are not collateral casualties. They are the point.
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The Piccirillis’ Warm Reception in France and Germany
As of today, the prestigious European network ARTE is broadcasting a short exposé on the extraordinary work of the Piccirilli Brothers in America. The piece, produced in New York by Jennifer and Edward Luby, was inspired by the documentary "The Piccirilli Factor" and John Freeman Gill’s feature article in The New York Times.
Eduardo Montes-Bradley
Oct 14, 20251 min read
The Piccirilli Factor to Screen at Calandra in New York
The Piccirilli Factor will be part of the Fall 2025 Film & Video Series at the John D. Calandra Italian American Institute, Queens College, CUNY. The screening is scheduled for Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at 6 PM, in Manhattan.
Heritage Film Project
Aug 7, 20252 min read
Reimagining Attilio Piccirilli: A New Face to an Enduring Legacy
For the first time, we can look into the eyes of Attilio Piccirilli—not through a blurred photograph or a worn-out newspaper clipping…
Eduardo Montes-Bradley
Apr 3, 20254 min read
Piccirilli Factor at The Met
The Piccirilli Factor at The Met
Heritage Film Project
Dec 12, 20241 min read
The Mark of the Chisel
The camera is our friend, allowing close study of the extraordinary grace of the Piccirilli brothers.
Rosa Berland
Nov 11, 20244 min read
The Piccirilli Factor: Carving a Legacy of Art and Identity in America
Seeing this film was also a stark reminder of how few documentaries there are on skilled craftspeople and artists and more importantly, few
Lisa Ackerman
Sep 30, 20243 min read
Interview Insights with Lisa Ackerman and John Belardo
Back in Charlottesville, I eagerly began editing the footage captured last week in New York with Lisa Ackerman and John Belardo.
Eduardo Montes-Bradley
Jul 27, 20241 min read
Filming for The Piccirilli Factor in San Diego.
Nearly thirty years after its construction, the California Building was featured in the opening scene of "Citizen Kane".
Heritage Film Project
Jul 15, 20241 min read
The Piccirilli Brothers: Master Designers and Carvers of Riverside Church
The Piccirilli Brothers' most remarkable contribution to New York is probably the 350 stone and 150 wood carvings they created for Riverside
Eduardo Montes-Bradley
May 17, 20243 min read
Exploring the Legacy of the Piccirilli Brothers in Mott Haven: A Sculptural Masterpiece in the Bronx
NOTES FOR A DOCUMENTARY FILM | The Mott Heaven, once home to the Piccirilli Marble Carving Studio, is a part of the South Bronx that...
Eduardo Montes-Bradley
Apr 30, 20241 min read
Attilio Piccirilli at the MET
During last week's short visit to the MET I had the opportunity to recapture Fragilina, one of several idealized female nudes by Piccirilli.
Eduardo Montes-Bradley
Apr 22, 20241 min read
The Leonardo da Vinci Art School in New York Among the First Casualties of War.
The Leonardo, as it was affectionately known, opened its doors in 1924 with an inclusive, tuition-free platform.
Eduardo Montes-Bradley
Apr 11, 20244 min read
The American Renaissance in Buenos Aires
Exploring parallels in neoclassical sculpture in Buenos Aires.
Eduardo Montes-Bradley
Mar 5, 20241 min read
The Leonardo da Vinci Art School
In 1923, Attilio Piccirilli co-founded with Onorio Ruotolo the Leonardo da Vinci Art School. The Leonardo, as it was affectionally known, wa
Eduardo Montes-Bradley
Jan 18, 20242 min read
Furio’s Seal: A Gallery of Events
NOTES FOR A DOCUMENTARY FILM - As I move forward cataloging the Piccirilli works for The Italian Factor, a documentary film currently in...
Eduardo Montes-Bradley
Dec 23, 20232 min read
St. Paul's: Looking for Piccirilli
It was a remarkable day today as I found myself stepping into the hallowed grounds of St. Paul's Cathedral in London.
Eduardo Montes-Bradley
Nov 25, 20233 min read
Civic Virtue
This sculpture is known as an allegorical personification: a story or set of abstract ideas symbolized by the human form.
Heritage Film Project
Oct 27, 20233 min read
The Italian Factor' in Greenwich Village
In the midst of bustling streets and joyous festivities, I embark on a unique journey. The documentary in progress, "The Italian Factor," is
Eduardo Montes-Bradley
Oct 18, 20232 min read
Furio Piccirilli
Within this industrial complex and collaborative environment, individual contributions to public art were noteworthy. Three brothers, Furio,
Eduardo Montes-Bradley
Sep 9, 20233 min read
Two Sculpture Groups in Harrisburg to be included in The Italian Factor.
The Pennsylvania State Capitol sculpture groups are two magnificent works of art that adorn the west entrance of the building in Harrisburg,
Heritage Film Project
May 11, 20231 min read
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