Men of the Cloth

Men of the Cloth-Cleveland Premiere

Directed by Vicki Vasilopoulos

Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland

Friday, November 13, 6:45pm

Special introduction and Q & A session by NOIA member and custom tailor Davide Cotugno.

“I have followed Vicki’s documentary from its inception, not only because it is about my profession, but because it is the life story of many of those talented craftsmen like my father who apprenticed to be a tailor at the tender age of eight. It is especially relevant to our Italian-American roots as we trace the journey our forefathers made in their own chosen professions.

“Men of the Cloth” is an inspiring, critically acclaimed portrait of three Italian master tailors who confront the decline of the tailoring apprentice system as they navigate their challenging roles in the twilight of their careers.  These artisans cherish their interactions with their clients. And as they go about their daily tasks, they share observations that are, by turns, nostalgic, poignant and humorous.

The film unravels the mystery of their artistry and reveals how their passionate devotion to their Old World craft is akin to a religion. Filmed over eleven years, it also reflects the recent resurgence of custom clothing as an artisanal craft in sharp contrast to corporate mass produced clothing.”  

Davide Cotugno

President, Davide Cotugno Executive Tailors

Wednesday, November 18, 6:45 pm

Special introduction by filmmaker Vicki Vasilopoulos (via Skype)

Tickets $9; CMA members, seniors 65 & over, and students $7.

Advance tickets at www.clevelandart.org/film

The film received grants from the National Italian American Foundation and the William B. Dietrich Foundation. Additionally, much of the funding has come from the crowdfunding platforms Kickstarter and IndieGoGo.

MEN OF THE CLOTH Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MenOfTheClothFilm

USA/Italy, 2013, color, Blu-ray, 96 min