Finding the Mother Lode (2013), 104 min.
Gianfranco Norelli and Suma Kurien, dir.

The experience of Italian immigrants in California has been markedly different from that of their compatriots elsewhere in the United States. Initially part of the Gold Rush, these immigrants turned to farming, fishing, viniculture, and commerce. Through stories set in seven Italian-American communities throughout California, Finding the Mother Lode examines how economic and social mobility became possible for many Italian Americans in the Golden State. The film weaves together oral histories from community members and contextualizing historical analysis by scholars to tell a thorough and engaging narrative of migration, transformation, and self-identification.

Post-screening discussion with the directors led by Joseph Sciorra, Calandra Institute.