Congrats Maky Rupert! Winner of the 2025 Russo Brothers Italian American Filmmaker Forum

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Every year, the Russo Brothers Italian American Filmmaker Forum gives us a front-row seat to bold new storytellers reshaping what the Italian American experience can look and feel like onscreen. And this year, we’re thrilled to spotlight a filmmaker whose work resonated deeply with our team.

AGBO is proud to announce “St. Joseph,” directed by Maky Rupert, as the 2025 RBIAFF winner.

Earlier this year, five fellows received production grants to create short films rooted in their interpretation of Italian American heritage. From that group, St. Joseph emerged as a standout — a moving story about estranged cousins returning to their childhood home to search for a long-buried statue and, in the process, confront family history, grief, and the traditions that hold us together.

For us at AGBO, the magic of RBIAFF has always been this: a filmmaker takes a deeply personal idea and shapes it into something that captures universal emotion. Rupert’s film does exactly that, and we’re honored to welcome him into the AGBO Storytellers Collective, where he’ll join an alumni network of filmmakers supported through our fellowships and competitions.

Since RBIAFF’s inception in 2017, more than $450,000 has been granted to over 55 emerging filmmakers. A true testament to AGBO and ISDA’s shared commitment to nurturing authentic voices and preserving culture through creative expression.

The 2025 winner was selected by a committee including Anthony and Joe Russo, Angela Russo-Otstot, and ISDA leadership, all united in championing narratives that illuminate the depth and richness of Italian American identity.

As Angela Russo-Otstot shared, the heart of our mission remains supporting filmmakers whose work “captures the poignancy of family, tradition, and the lasting impression they impart”

St. Joseph will screen at next year's annual RBIAFF event and we can’t wait to celebrate it on the big screen!

Congratulations to Maky Rupert and to all of this year’s fellows! Your passion, craft, and storytelling continue to inspire us. We’re honored to be part of your journey, and we can’t wait to see what you create next.

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