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SPARC Presents “Italian Wannabe” to Honor Fiore Market Café Founder Bill Disselhorst

PHOTO: Visionarium Live Italian | The South Pasadenan
PHOTO: Visionarium Live Italian | The South Pasadenan
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The South Pasadena Arts Council (SPARC) proudly presents The Art of Community the Los Angeles premiere of “Italian Wannabe”, an independent documentary film celebrating Bill Disselhorst, his love of Italy, and the story behind the beloved Fiore Market Café that he and his late wife, Anne, created in South Pasadena.

This special screening will take place at Visionarium Live Italian. The afternoon will bring together film, food, and community to celebrate a local place where neighbors met, friendships grew, and generations of South Pasadena residents came together around the table.

“Italian Wannabe” follows Disselhorst and explores how his fascination with Italy, its people, food, and way of life inspired him and Anne to build a life and business that reflected those values.

The film was shot in Casperia, Italy; South Pasadena and Landers, California, and offers an intimate look at the people, places, and passions that shaped Bill’s journey. Directed, shot, and edited by ArtCenter College of Design graduate Steve Dabal, the film was produced by Harry Baruch, Nikki Krivanek, and Filippo Nesci, with additional cinematography by Edward Tran and Jesse Sperling.

Following five sold-out screenings at the 2026 Palm Springs International Festival in January, “Italian Wannabe” is currently touring the United States. Its South Pasadena premiere offers local audiences the unique opportunity to experience the film alongside the very community whose story is woven into it.

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“We’re thrilled to bring ‘Italian Wannabe’ home to South Pasadena,” says SPARC. “This is more than a film screening. It’s a celebration of Bill, Anne, Fiore, and the community they helped create. For the many people who have their own memories of Fiore, this is a chance to come together, share those memories, and celebrate the man behind a place that meant so much to so many.”

A rustic, family-style Italian lunch and Q&A with Bill Disselhorst and the filmmakers will follow the screening.

The event takes place at Visionarium Live Italian, bringing together food, art, music, and Italian products under one roof, making it the perfect setting for an afternoon celebrating Bill’s enduring connection to Italy and South Pasadena.

Tickets for this exclusive VIP community event are $100 per person and include the film screening, family-style Italian lunch, Q&A, and the opportunity to spend an afternoon with Bill Disselhorst and the filmmakers.

Tickets are limited! South Pasadena residents, former Fiore customers, longtime friends of Bill and Anne, and anyone who loves a heartwarming story, delicious food, and the company of community are encouraged to reserve their seats now.

Event Information

The Art of Community: The South Pasadena Premiere of Italian Wannabe
Presented by the South Pasadena Arts Council (SPARC)

Saturday, November 14, 2026
11:00 AM–4:00 PM
Visionarium Live Italian
1020 Mission Street
South Pasadena, CA 91030

Tickets: $100 per person
Includes film screening, family-style Italian lunch, Q&A, and special afternoon program