Synopsis

For over a century men from the Dolomites (Alps Region, Northern Italy) emigrated to England to sharpen knives. Today the sons and grandsons of these emigrants dominate the London knife grinding market, a profitable business managed by a few family run enterprises. These families created a tight knitted monopoly , keeping competition at bay. Sharp families narrates the evolution of this community through the work and ties to the homeland of three families, raised and living between a small mountain village and London, dealing with running a now global business.

Director’s notes

A few years ago I had the experience of living in London. It was an escape from a little mountain village in Italy, where nothing too exciting happens very often. In time, I decided to return to my roots. Initally, this story begun from the sheer pleasure of conversing with old people like Bernardo, regarding the conflicting bond that emigrants develop with their country of origin. Following that, I discovered the Grinders tradition and their organised community in London. The secret of their success lay in the solidarity they had amongst them, and their strong attachment to their homeland. Nowadays, this can be viewed as a positive example for those who are obligated to leave Italy, and contrary to my experience, they may never return.

To narrate this story that evokes legendary elements, I chose not only to describe the characters but also to include the places where these events took place, the metropolis and a little village. It can be seen as a positive outcome of emigration, that underlines the depth of challenges that this small community made, and continues to make today stemming from two realities that are poles apart. From the viewpoint of the country of arrival and departure it can be interpreted as an instance of a positive development and growth. It demonstrates that ones identity lies at the base of the challenges encountered against a globalisation which tends to standardise places and social groups.

Production’s notes

The Director worked with the characters for over a year, accompanying them to work, in their workshops and also whilst, they delivered knives all over London. This enabled him to develop trustworthy relationships which consequently enabled him to participate in private meetings of the Association and group encounters which took place in their community. In the Summer of 2014 and 2015 he filmed the characters on holiday in their "Homeland". During this experience he had the opportunity to film a very important event, their traditional "Polenta party". This is an extremely important gathering for the little millionare Knife Grinder community.

Director Patrick Grassi

Patrick Grassi graduated from the University of Padova in languages and writing techniques. He works as a script writer and Film Director in Italy. He concentrates his research on the relationship between man and his environment, community and territory.

Since 2008, he has been involved in diverse projects for numerous associations in Italy related to emigration and the Italian community abroad as in Uk, Canada, Usa and Australia.

Filmography

Natural Education: The Rite of the Grauno Pine (64')
Selected at the 58th Film Festival of Trento

The Rule (17')
Produced by Zalab, selected at the 20th Film Festival of Lessina.

Europe (5')
Produced by Zalab, selected at the Meet European Film Festival.