The Art of Community
The South Pasadena Premier of Italian Wannabe
SPARC presents an engaging weekend of events, focusing on film, food, and community, celebrating BILL DISSELHORST
Fiore Market Café Founder & “Italian Wannabe”
November 13-16, 2026
Italian Wannabe is a documentary that blends humor, heart, and the healing power of food. It follows chef Bill Disselhorst as he returns to the small Italian village that inspired the life he built with his late wife, Anne.
In 2003, Bill and Anne fell in love with the simplicity, pace, and flavor of Italian life. That spark led them to open Fiore Market Cafe in South Pasadena, a neighborhood gem famous for its hand-made bread, fresh ingredients, and welcoming sense of community.
But after Anne’s sudden passing, and the trials of the pandemic, Bill sold the cafe. Now, he’s going back to Italy where it all began, and looks back at his South Pasadena community he left behind.
Through stunning visuals of Italian countryside, intimate conversations, and the universal language of food, Italian Wannabe explores how love, loss, and community shape who we are and how starting over can reignite the passions we thought we’d lost.
A celebrated Los Angeles chef returns to a quiet village in the Italian countryside, not to escape his past but to taste life again.
The Art of Community: Opening Reception
Friday, November 13 6:00-8:00pm
SPARC Centre Gallery
Our weekend of Community begins with an opportunity to meet and talk with Bill and Italian Wannabe director Steve Dabal at SPARC Centre Gallery. Surrounded by an exciting new show, curated by our own South Pas high school students, you'll have a chance to welcome Bill back to our community and learn more about the film in this casual, public meet and greet.
The Art of Community: Immersive Experience
Saturday, November 14 11:00-4:00pm
Visionarium Live Italian
This special, intimate screening of Italian Wannabe will bring together film, food, and community in celebration of Bill, Anne, and the enduring legacy of a place that became woven into the fabric of South Pasadena. Experience the film in a fully immersive environment, surrounded by the community Bill loved so much, enjoying scrumptious food from the country that so inspired him.
The premier screening will be followed by a rustic, family-style Italian lunch and a Q&A with Bill Disselhorst and the filmmakers. And, in a fitting tribute to one of Fiore's most beloved traditions, attendees will also have the opportunity to enjoy Bill's famous homemade bread!
The Art of Community: Public Screening
Monday, November 16 7:00-9:00pm
South Pasadena High School Auditorium
Join your South Pasadena community for this free encore screening of Italian Wannabe, followed by a Q&A with Bill and film director Steve Dabal.
Admission is free and seats are general admission, first come-first served.
