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Rather than romanticizing or sensationalizing organized crime, the film explores the reasons some people, often young, poor, and marginalized, turned to 'gangsterism' as a means of survival and to support their families. The goal is to challenge stereotypes. To provide a compassionate, nuanced view of a complex part in Canadian history.

Explore Generational Expectations & Sacrifice

Family can be messy. Burdens placed on eldest children, particularly eldest sons, within immigrant families, can be even messier. Pilastro explores cultural expectations around duty, masculinity, and responsibility. How it can shape or limit a young person’s path. It often forces them to sacrifice their own dreams for the sake of the family. Through this lens, we look at themes of obligation, identity loss, and internal conflict.

Proof of Concept for a Feature

While this short film is a complete story, it will also serve as a proof of concept for a feature-length film, expanding the world, characters, and historical depth introduced here. Through this short, we aim want the emotional tone, visual style, and thematic richness that would develop into a longer narrative.

Engage Canadian and International Festivals

We intend to submit the film to qualifying festivals in Canada (such as TIFF, VIFF, Calgary, and others), as well as international festivals that highlight emerging filmmakers and diaspora narratives. Our goal is to build momentum for the feature while connecting with audiences, funders, and future collaborators.