Lucky’s Lens traces the remarkable life of Fortunato “Lucky” Stracuzzi, whose journey from Sicily to Niagara Falls reflects the courage and sacrifice of countless immigrants seeking a new life. Paired with This Film Has No Meaning, a darkly funny, time-bending tale of four friends trapped in a cinematic loop, this program celebrates the heart and humour of Niagara storytelling.
LUCKY’S LENS: BRIDGING CULTURES IN NIAGARA FALLS
Anthony Stracuzzi | 2024 | 90m
Q&A with director Stracuzzi to follow screening!
Lucky’s Lens explores the life, work, and family history of Fortunato "Lucky" Stracuzzi, a prominent member and businessman of the Niagara Falls community. Born in Sicily, Lucky's immigration journey is representative of the countless nameless immigrants who made the arduous journey to move to Canada to seek new opportunities and, in doing so, risked the possibility of losing their ancestral heritage.
This documentary shows one man's desire to preserve his cultural history through the backdrop of his new home in Niagara Falls. Lucky's camera lens offers a unique perspective at a time when accessibility to this technology was limited.
Anthony Stracuzzi is a passionate creative whose love of music, art and community began as a child. Anthony loves to design, build and create with all types of mediums and materials. He is a first generation Italian Canadian born in Niagara Falls Ontario Canada. After graduating with a Bachelors of Engineering from Western University in 2007, Anthony began working in the Film and TV industry in various roles but is most well known as a Production Designer and Producer. After his eldest uncle passed away in 2022, Anthony began exploring his family’s history through film and photography archives.
Lucky's Legacy: Bridging Cultures in Niagara Falls documentary project is made possible by the City of Niagara Falls Cultural Development Fund Macro Grant awarded in March 2024.
THIS FILM HAS NO MEANING
Zak McDonnell | 2025 | 4m
After finishing one of the worst movies they've ever seen, four friends find themselves in a time-loop. The only way to escape is to decipher the film's meaning.
Zak McDonnell is an emerging independent filmmaker from Grimsby. Driven by a lifelong love of storytelling and cinema, Zak creates films that reflect his deep passion for narrative and emotion on screen. Inspired by the persistent voice that urged him to make his own movies, he describes following that impulse as the best decision he’s ever made.