Frank Zappa - Summer '82: When Zappa Came To Sicily

This is a story of how a singular event can act as a catalyst for discovery of family, friendship, and legacy. A father and son on a road trip to see a concert creates a opportunity for them to learn and bond. A rock band touring Europe with the last show happening in a city at the worst possible time. The friendship of one man with a family searching for their roots, and the journey which brings them all together to celebrate the answers they were all looking for.Being a long time fan of Frank Zappa and his music I have seen many films about him and read many books, but none of them have really told his story. They all seem to focus on the external persona and miss the man; until now. When Zappa Came to Sicily is by far the most personal and revealing film about who Frank was and where he came from, and offers insight into his roots, his family, and his friendships. With the support of the Zappa Family Trust we are offered a insiders view of the events which the story is centered on and allows a more detailed portrait of the man who has clearly been misunderstood throughout his life. What we learn in the process is of a brilliant musician, a loving father, and his beautiful wife and kids who undoubtably knew him best.This moving and emotional film is by far the most intelligent telling of this man who I have admired for decades, and it does so with a complex and creative narrative. Seeing his wife and children discovering their families history and getting the chance to visit some of their ancestors is both heartwarming and enlightening. A moving tale of friendship and family anyone can relate to. My deepest gratitude to all those responsible for the dedication it took to tell this important story, and to Gail, Dweezil, Moon, and Diva for allowing me to share in their journey. Filmmaker Salvo Cuccia and Producer Eleonora Cordaro have succeeded in making something timeless and moving. And a huge thank you to Massimo Bassoli for playing such an important roll in this story.

Got a great sense of Zappa as a father and a friend with the backdrop of a concert that went wrong in the country of his roots back in '82. Most of the Zappa music used throughout the film was appropriately most of the most heartfelt and emotional music in his catalogue (with the exception of the footage from the Palermo show). The love for Frank you can feel from his family and his Italian friend really gets you in the feels, especially in the aftermath of the friction between Ahmet (conspicuously absent from this documentary) and his older siblings in the aftermath of Gail Zappa's passimg several years ago. Diva comes off as such a beautiful soul without even saying much-she's just very expressive. I enjoyed this as much maybe even more than the more recent Zappa doc done by Alex Winters last year. Very much worth checking out if you're a fan or even just an ethnic American mutt disconnected from the "old country" your immigrant parents or grandparents left behind. Very well done.

Several songs from the Palermo concert were included on the You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore box set, issued in 1990 or so. The liner notes described what was happening, and I've been imagining it in my mind ever since. To actually see it on video, with eyewitness accounts, historical significance of his family roots, everything that went on that day....it's mind boggling. Thanks to The Zappa Trust for putting this together the right way. It's a stirring testament not only to Frank himself, but his entire family going back generations and forward.

As a fan, I found this interesting and quirky. Seeing the family interacting makes me sad at what has happened between the Zappa children in the past few years. I also wish they would release the entire show, as well as other stuff from this tour- the 1982 band was one of Frank's best.

This one made me laugh. It also made me cry. I wanted to give it six stars, probably because I was there, at this concert in Palermo in 1982. Before the show even ended, we were running out of these tiny tunnels to find breathable air. At first, I wanted my money back. Now, I consider it to be one of the greatest concert experiences of my life, especially after hearing some of the tracks on the "You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore" series. I can't thank the Zappa Family Trust enough for this one. Enjoy!

Wow, what a wonderful documentary! Many layers, some old 8mm footage (from the day), and later footage of the family visiting Italy. Some footage of the concert that took place on the tour as well. Some serious police/audience events going on which the band were totally unaware of at the beginning of the concert. However, a beautiful tribute to Frank by visiting his roots and seeing how the people from his family tree in Italy appreciate and acknowledge him and erect plaques and monuments in his honor. Viva la Zappa!!!!!!!

What a great find! I expected to hear live music, but I didn't expect the history and personal stories.I've been a Zappa fan for decades, and have experienced a LOT of joy from his effort. It is very gratifying to witness this artist's family continue with so much righteous human spirit.

Save your money. Only some background music. Thought i had bought a music Blue Ray.

great movie

Quite a moving account of the late Zappa's wife and family visiting their roots in Sicily, plus features excellent snippets of Zappa's music.

F. Z. è il mio autore rock preferito. La sua musica spazia dalle apparenti canzonette sino alla musica contemporanea, passando per rock e Jazz. Il solo peccato è che lo si voglia dimenticare. E' morto il 4 Dicembre 1993, quindi 24 anni fa. Ma i geni ritornano sempre, in barba alle mode.

Bellissimo documentario su uno dei più grandi musicisti della storia.

Frank n' family