Genre
Synopsis
"Discovering Discepolo" explores the legacy of my father's most famous cousin, the renowned tango poet Enrique Santos Discepolo, known as Discepolin. His iconic song "Cambalache" literally "Junk Shop" is synonymous with the soul of Argentina, depicting a chaotic world and likening the social and political landscape to a junk shop. This documentary brings my father Anthony Discepolo, a 76-year-old Vietnam War veteran, to Argentina to reconnect with his illustrious family.
The journey uses Discepolin's life, music, and legacy as a surrogate to coax the notoriously secretive and paranoid American side of the family to share their stories before they are lost forever. Through this film, I aim to explore themes such as immigration, the power of art to influence and impact society, generational trauma, the effects of late-stage capitalism on mental health, and the long-reaching impacts of war and poverty on subsequent generations.
Set against the backdrop of major socio-economic and political issues, "Discovering Discepolo" delves into the Italian diaspora and the vibrant cultural history of early 20th-century Argentina. Like many Italian families, the Discepolos migrated in search of better opportunities. In Buenos Aires, Discepolin emerged as a cultural icon, capturing the struggles and sentiments of the Argentine people through his music and plays. Meanwhile, the American branch of the family faced different challenges, often working in literal junk shops. This contrast forms the core of our exploration, revealing how environment and experience shaped their divergent paths.
The film addresses broader social issues reflected in our family's experiences. Themes of poverty, mental illness, and creativity intersect in the Discepolo narrative, reflecting larger societal dynamics. How poverty impacts brain development, resonating with the family's struggles and artistic brilliance.
Bio
Bonnie Discepolo (she/they) is a Los Angeles based writer, director and actor. Discepolo is the first American artist descended from a family of Argentine-Italian playwrights, directors, actors, and composers, credited with originating the Latin American dramatic style “El Criollo Grotesco,” which is a mixture of tragicomic satire and domestic discord.
In line with her family heritage, Bonnie Discepolo writes and directs films that tackle socio-political issues - like abortion, trans kids, and sex work - through the lens of comedy and domestic discord. Bonnie’s films have played many film festivals domestically, and internationally to great acclaim, including Tribeca, SXSW, SCAD, Nantucket, Bentonville, Fantastic Fest, Overlook Film Festival and the Cannes International Film Market.
Additionally, Bonnie can be seen on Robert Rodriguez’s “Rebel Without a Crew the Series.” Where she directed an ‘El Mariachi’ style feature film 'Grandma's House' in two weeks on a seven thousand dollar budget under Mr. Rodriguez’s mentorship.
Discepolo is an alumna of the Moscow Art Theatre School in Russia, Boston University’s School of Theatre Arts, and the Atlantic Theatre Company.
In addition to filmmaking, Discepolo is a professional actor who’s work can currently be seen in theatres around the world in, Guardian’s of the Galaxy Volume 3, Shazam: Fury of The Gods, Hypnotic, and as a lead guest star on Brian Tee’s directorial debut in season 8 of Chicago Med.
Credits
Cinematographer - Zelmira Gainza
Executive Producer - Luz O'Brennan
Producer - Sol Miraglia
Line Producer - Rebekah Cianci
Subject - Anthony Discepolo
