South Pasadena’s vibrant arts and culinary culture takes center stage this November as the South Pasadena Arts Council (SPARC) presents the premiere of Italian Wannabe.
An independent documentary rooted in local heart, Italian Wannabe honors Bill Disselhorst, his deep affection for Italy, and the origins of the cherished Fiore Market Café, which he established alongside his late wife, Anne.
Across a series of November gatherings, SPARC invites neighbors, film enthusiasts, and food lovers to honor Bill’s legacy of bringing people together. Alongside the documentary lineup, the SPARC Centre Gallery is also hosting fresh gallery exhibitions and interactive community art showcases this season.
‘Italian Wannabe’ Event Schedule
1. Opening Reception & Student Exhibition
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When: Friday, November 13, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
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Where: SPARC Centre Gallery (1000 Fremont Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030)
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Admission: Free (No tickets required)
Kick off the weekend with an intimate evening meet-and-greet featuring director insights and Bill Disselhorst himself. Enjoy light refreshments while taking in a student-curated exhibition showcasing talent from South Pasadena High School.
2. Feature Premiere & Community Celebration
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When: Saturday, November 14, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
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Where: Visionarium
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Tickets: $100 | Purchase Tickets via SPARC Events
Experience the premiere of Italian Wannabe surrounded by good food, live music, and meaningful connection. The program features a structured panel and conversation with Bill Disselhorst and the filmmaking team.
Supporting Local Arts: Every ticket purchase directly supports the film’s distribution and helps fund the free public community screening.
3. Free Community Screening & Q&A
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When: Monday, November 16, 2026 | Doors open at 6:30 PM (Screening at 7:00 PM)
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Where: South Pasadena High School Auditorium (1401 Fremont Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030)
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Admission: Free (First-come, first-served seating; no tickets required)
Gather at the High School Auditorium for a free public screening of the documentary, followed immediately by a live Q&A session with Bill Disselhorst and the film’s director.
Happening This Week at SPARC Centre Gallery: ‘A World in Ink’
Before the film premiere weekend, stop by the gallery for A World in Ink, a group exhibition featuring four artists who work primarily in ink and watercolor: Gail Meltzer, Eric Fabbro, Bianca Fuchs, and Vivian Tong. SPARC Centre Gallery 1000 Fremont Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030 Note: Entrance is located at the back of the building.
Exhibition Highlights and Schedule
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Opening Reception: Saturday, October 10, 2026 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
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South Pasadena Arts Crawl Hours: Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
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Get Creative: Drawing inspiration from the social media trend Inktober, visitors are invited to create their own ink artwork on-site using gallery-provided pens and paper to display inside the gallery space.
Exhibition artwork in promotional materials created by Vivian Tong, with graphic design contributed by SPARC teen intern, Aili C.
