TO IMAGINE TOGETHER
The Human Experience:
Creating a film together in Sicily.
With storyteller and filmmaker, Warren Cook
Caltabellotta, Sicily (10 Days)
Join filmmaker/director Warren Cook on a 10-day trip to the beautiful town of Caltabellotta, Sicily, where you will immerse yourself in the local culture and explore the town’s rich history. Through the lens of filmmaking, you’ll be able to capture the town’s beauty and complexity and share its story with the world. Each participant will have the opportunity to contribute their own unique perspective to the project and help bring our collective vision to life. You will get to be in front of the camera as we weave your story into the landscape of new Sicilian friends as well as help capture footage as seen through your eyes.
We together will create a film that reflects the diversity of our backgrounds and the connections that bind us together as human beings. By the end of the trip, we will have not only experienced an extraordinary shared adventure, but also created a tangible work of art that we can all be proud of—a testament to the power of human connection and the transformative nature of shared experiences.
The journey will also involve a unique collaboration with former Cafe Modern chef Dena Peterson Shaskan and breadmaker Trent Shaskan of Icon Bread. Together, we will break bread with local families and share stories and traditions that have been passed down for generations, showcasing the power of food in bringing people together.
A month after our return, we will celebrate our collective creativity and the beauty of our adventure in Sicily with a screening of the film in Fort Worth. Join Warren Cook on this unforgettable journey and discover what it means to be part of a larger, interconnected community.
___
Technical filmmaking experience is not required for this trip. It’s all about being a part of the experience, playing a role in the story, and gaining a deeper understanding of the community.
What we will film:
Participants will not only have the opportunity to help film the documentary, but also to be featured in it. Prior knowledge of filming is not required as we will provide guidance throughout the trip. Everyone will get a GoPro and be simply trained to capture certain shots/tasks throughout the trip. Each day, participants will assist in uncovering the story and gain a basic understanding of the filming process.
Before our departure, Warren’s film crew will capture each participant’s personal experiences, goals, and life stories on film. This footage will serve as a foundation for the immersion into the culture and community of Caltabellotta, and offer insight into their personal growth and development.
During our ten day journey, we will continue to film the group as they explore the town, meet new people, and experience the local culture. We will document their interactions with the community, their participation in local events, and their conversations and meals together.
Upon returning, we will film the group once again as they reflect on their experiences and share how the journey has impacted their lives. These visual narratives will provide a comprehensive view of the human experience, from the personal journeys of the ten individuals to the larger context of the community of Caltabellotta and the shared connections we all have as human beings.
_________
Caltabellotta
Caltabellotta, located in the province of Agrigento in Sicily, is a charming hilltop town rich in history, culture, and culinary traditions. The town’s name is derived from the Arabic phrase “qal’at al-ballut,” meaning “castle of the oaks,” which speaks to its strategic position on the mountain range between the valleys of the Verdura and Magazzolo rivers. The town dates back to the ancient Greek era and was later inhabited by the Romans and the Arabs, whose influences can still be seen in the town’s architecture, language, and cuisine.
One of the town’s most famous landmarks is the Castello di Caltabellotta, a medieval fortress that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. The town’s historic center is also a must-see, with its narrow streets and alleys lined with ancient churches, palaces, and quaint shops selling local handicrafts and souvenirs.
When it comes to food, Caltabellotta boasts a rich culinary tradition that reflects the town’s mix of cultures and influences. Local specialties include “pasta cu l’agghia,” a pasta dish made with garlic, olive oil, and breadcrumbs, and “cuddiruni,” a savory pie filled with potatoes, onions, and cheese. The town is also famous for its “cannoli,” a Sicilian pastry filled with sweet ricotta cheese and sprinkled with chocolate chips or candied fruit.
The town’s cuisine is heavily influenced by its agricultural traditions, with many dishes featuring local produce such as olives, almonds, and citrus fruits. The town is also known for its excellent wines, with several vineyards in the surrounding hills producing high-quality reds and whites.
Overall, Caltabellotta is a hidden gem that offers a glimpse into the rich history and traditions of Sicily, with its stunning landscapes, charming architecture, and delicious food. It is the perfect destination for travelers looking to immerse themselves in authentic Italian culture and cuisine.
Itinerary
10/1 Day 1: Flight from DFW
10/2 Day 2:
Arrive in Palermo
Check in to your hotel and relax
Group Dinner (Jules to prearrange the restaurant)
10/3 Day 3:
Explore Palmero
Drive yourself to Caltabellotta
https://www.bbsottolestelle.it
Group Dinner at 7:00
10/4 Day 4:
Film
10/5 Day 5:
FIlm
10/6 Day 6:
FIlm Olive Harvest
10/7 Day 7:
Day Trip to Stair of the Turks (1 hour drive)
10/8 Day 8:
Film
10/9 Day 9:
FIlm/ Ending Celebration Dinner
Do we need to pay for invited guests?
10/10 Day 10:
Transportation Back to Palermo airport for flights home
Cost Includes lodging, food (except where noted) filming experience, epic group interaction and a gopro 3rd generation
HARVESTING OLIVES
The Human Experience:
Creating a film together in Sicily.
With storyteller and filmmaker, Warren Cook
Caltabellotta, Sicily (10 Days)
Join filmmaker/director Warren Cook on a 10-day trip to the beautiful town of Caltabellotta, Sicily, where you will immerse yourself in the local culture and explore the town’s rich history. Through the lens of filmmaking, you’ll be able to capture the town’s beauty and complexity and share its story with the world. Each participant will have the opportunity to contribute their own unique perspective to the project and help bring our collective vision to life. You will get to be in front of the camera as we weave your story into the landscape of new Sicilian friends as well as help capture footage as seen through your eyes.
We together will create a film that reflects the diversity of our backgrounds and the connections that bind us together as human beings. By the end of the trip, we will have not only experienced an extraordinary shared adventure, but also created a tangible work of art that we can all be proud of—a testament to the power of human connection and the transformative nature of shared experiences.
The journey will also involve a unique collaboration with former Cafe Modern chef Dena Peterson Shaskan and breadmaker Trent Shaskan of Icon Bread. Together, we will break bread with local families and share stories and traditions that have been passed down for generations, showcasing the power of food in bringing people together.
A month after our return, we will celebrate our collective creativity and the beauty of our adventure in Sicily with a screening of the film in Fort Worth. Join Warren Cook on this unforgettable journey and discover what it means to be part of a larger, interconnected community.
___
Technical filmmaking experience is not required for this trip. It’s all about being a part of the experience, playing a role in the story, and gaining a deeper understanding of the community.
What we will film:
Participants will not only have the opportunity to help film the documentary, but also to be featured in it. Prior knowledge of filming is not required as we will provide guidance throughout the trip. Everyone will get a GoPro and be simply trained to capture certain shots/tasks throughout the trip. Each day, participants will assist in uncovering the story and gain a basic understanding of the filming process.
Before our departure, Warren’s film crew will capture each participant’s personal experiences, goals, and life stories on film. This footage will serve as a foundation for the immersion into the culture and community of Caltabellotta, and offer insight into their personal growth and development.
During our ten day journey, we will continue to film the group as they explore the town, meet new people, and experience the local culture. We will document their interactions with the community, their participation in local events, and their conversations and meals together.
Upon returning, we will film the group once again as they reflect on their experiences and share how the journey has impacted their lives. These visual narratives will provide a comprehensive view of the human experience, from the personal journeys of the ten individuals to the larger context of the community of Caltabellotta and the shared connections we all have as human beings.
_________
Caltabellotta
Caltabellotta, located in the province of Agrigento in Sicily, is a charming hilltop town rich in history, culture, and culinary traditions. The town’s name is derived from the Arabic phrase “qal’at al-ballut,” meaning “castle of the oaks,” which speaks to its strategic position on the mountain range between the valleys of the Verdura and Magazzolo rivers. The town dates back to the ancient Greek era and was later inhabited by the Romans and the Arabs, whose influences can still be seen in the town’s architecture, language, and cuisine.
One of the town’s most famous landmarks is the Castello di Caltabellotta, a medieval fortress that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. The town’s historic center is also a must-see, with its narrow streets and alleys lined with ancient churches, palaces, and quaint shops selling local handicrafts and souvenirs.
When it comes to food, Caltabellotta boasts a rich culinary tradition that reflects the town’s mix of cultures and influences. Local specialties include “pasta cu l’agghia,” a pasta dish made with garlic, olive oil, and breadcrumbs, and “cuddiruni,” a savory pie filled with potatoes, onions, and cheese. The town is also famous for its “cannoli,” a Sicilian pastry filled with sweet ricotta cheese and sprinkled with chocolate chips or candied fruit.
The town’s cuisine is heavily influenced by its agricultural traditions, with many dishes featuring local produce such as olives, almonds, and citrus fruits. The town is also known for its excellent wines, with several vineyards in the surrounding hills producing high-quality reds and whites.
Overall, Caltabellotta is a hidden gem that offers a glimpse into the rich history and traditions of Sicily, with its stunning landscapes, charming architecture, and delicious food. It is the perfect destination for travelers looking to immerse themselves in authentic Italian culture and cuisine.
Itinerary idea
10/1 Day 1: Flight from DFW
10/2 Day 2:
Arrive in Palermo
Check in to your hotel and relax
Group Dinner (Jules to prearrange the restaurant)
10/3 Day 3:
Explore Palmero
Drive yourself to Caltabellotta
https://www.bbsottolestelle.it
Group Dinner at 7:00
10/4 Day 4:
Film
10/5 Day 5:
FIlm
10/6 Day 6:
FIlm Olive Harvest
10/7 Day 7:
Day Trip to Stair of the Turks (1 hour drive)
10/8 Day 8:
Film
10/9 Day 9:
FIlm/ Ending Celebration Dinner
Do we need to pay for invited guests?
10/10 Day 10:
Transportation Back to Palermo airport for flights home
Cost Includes lodging, food (except where noted) filming experience, epic group interaction and a gopro 3rd generation