Genre:  Documentary
Running Time: 97 min
Country: USA
Language: English/Italian
Premiere:  Palm Springs
Directed, produced, and written by:  Peter Miller
Produced by:  Renee Frigo
Edited and produced by:  Amy Linton, ACE
Principal Cast:  Marcella, Chef Art Smith, Giuliano Hazan
Website:  marcellafilm.com
Distributor:  Greenwich Entertainment
Trailer:  https://vimeo.com/1010780512/3f601bc9d6

MARCELLA is the first documentary about the remarkable life of Marcella Hazan.  More than a culinary icon, Marcella was a pillar of resilience whose life story is presented in this captivating film.  Overcoming early life challenges, including the loss of full function in her right hand, Marcella went on to earn a dual doctorate in the sciences before immigrating to New York.  There she reinvented herself, becoming the godmother of Italian cooking. MARCELLA takes us on a dramatic, emotional, and delicious journey through her improbable, inspiring life story.

Cooking her renowned recipes and providing insightful commentary are a diverse group of luminaries, including legendary French chef Jacques Pépin, beloved television chef Lidia Bastianich, culinary innovator Shola Olunloyo, distinguished restaurateur Danny Meyer, celebrity chef April Bloomfield, Marcella’s husband, Victor Hazan and her son, chef Giuliano Hazan.

MARCELLA, an Oak Street Pictures and Willow Pond Films production, will be released in early 2025 by Greenwich Entertainment.  Major funding provided by Executive Producer, Margie Geddes.

The New York Times wrote that “the impact Mrs. Hazan had on the way America cooks Italian food is impossible to overstate.” As uncompromising as she was beloved, her influence went beyond cooking: “These were elemental truths that was telling us,” one observer notes, “it wasn’t just how to make dinner.”

Marcella’s life story is interwoven with visits to chefs preparing her most iconic recipes, and commentary by food stars Jacques Pépin, Danny Meyer, April Bloomfield, Shola Ulunloyo, Lidia Bastianich, Rancho Gordo’s Steve Sando, and a passionate chorus of friends and admirers.

Directed by Emmy and Peabody Award-winner Peter Miller (SACCO AND VANZETTI, AKA DOC POMUS, BEDLAM), MARCELLA will reach audiences throughout the world in cinemas and film festivals, on television, streaming, and video, bringing Marcella’s story to millions of old fans and new admirers.