Dave's Latest Documentary - "Mario's Conviction"

So I recently finished a feature-length documentary called "Mario's Conviction" and would encourage all of you to check it out.  Actually, you can't really check it out because it's not available in the public library, but you can purchase a copy of the DVD.  The DVD is available through Cedar Fort Publishing at cedarfort.com, at Deseret Book, and other places that sell fine LDS products.  The film will also be shown at the LDS Film Festival in January 2009, and at the Foursight Film Festival next spring.

Mario's Conviction is based on the life of Mario Facione, a man who grew up in an Italian family and was heavily involved with the Mafia in Detroit, then ended up changing his ways when he joined the LDS church.  It is based on the book, Mafia to Mormon, published by Cedar Fort Publishing.  Jason Conforto was the director of the documentary, and I, Dave Lindsay, was the producer through my company Avalanche Studios.

We shot the film on location in Detroit and also did some production in Utah and Arizona. When we were making plans to travel to Detroit, Mario offered to let us stay at his home during production.  However, since he grew up dealing with Mob, he is still very suspicious and cautious about things, so he wouldn't give us his address or any information over the phone.  We got our plane tickets and told our wives goodbye, but were unable to tell them where we were staying - just that we'd be hanging out somewhere near Detroit with a mobster.  It worked out fine though and Mario and his wife Kathy were very gracious hosts and we had a great time with them.  The documentary turned out great and I think most people will be inspired by Mario's story.