By Nick Christophers
Like many new festivals in recent years Dance With Films was developed to showcase amazing projects regardless if they had Stars in the cast. Founders Michael Trent and Leslie Scallon had a slogan connected to their creation of the festival “No politics. No Stars. No sh*t.” So far, the festival has been running since the 90’s with much success. This year there were over 100 features, shorts, and pilots submitted and shown. On Friday afternoon December 1, there was the premiere of the anticipated pilot of “Silent Partners” brought to us by Ciro Dapagio Films.
Ciro the creator and actor in the project has already offered us his last film “Mob King” which rattled the cages across the film circuit. In the new pilot there were such notable actors like James Russo (Donnie Brasco), Joe D’Onofrio (Bronx Tale), Gary Pastore (The Deuce), and Barry Jay Minoff (Exposure). Even though they may not be considered “Hollywood stars” they shined pretty well in this film.
For one Barry Jay Minoff, who has been acting for over 20 years has worked alongside such talent like Morgan Freeman, Nicholas Cage, and Bruce Willis. Barry played mob legend Meyer Lansky in the pilot. A very demanding role to play capturing the essence of one of the Kings of the Volcano. He gave us his take on the project.
“I got involved with the film Silent Partners after meeting Ciro. He had a fire in his eyes and he knew what he wanted to accomplished and had a certain discipline that left a mark one me. That is why I decided to be involved in not just acting in it but also financially. I am the type of person who likes helping others as I recently received a Philanthropic Award while in Naples, Italy.”
The pilot which is based on true events captures a time in the life of mobster Dave “Fat Dave” Iacovetti Sr. He was a captain in the Gambino Crime Family in the 80’s and 90’s. The film captured the time when there was a major insurance scam run by a company called Household Finance in Florida. Dave Sr spearheaded the scam with many others. No one was arrested for it and the suspects disappeared with all the cash. Ciro captured the dramatic essence of the time and sprinkled in some comedy relief to offer us a view into the twisted world of these characters.
“It’s about storytelling for me when I work on a film. Like this one, it’s not a thug like movie that most are used to when it comes to mob themed films. It evolves around true events that took place in the 80’s in Florida which was known as an open city (where all mob families can work). I want to create projects that would keep viewers engaged and not to leave their seats,” added Ciro.
Ciro and Dave Iacovetti Jr dabbled in the film industry in the 80’s and even had a show called “Center Stage” involving Freestyle artists of the day. At this point Ciro wishes to leave a positive legacy for his children that hard work pays off and always follow your dream wherever it takes you. To follow up on all the project Ciro Dapagio Films visit:
