By Mary Wolters, Design Editor
The Media Theatre in Delaware County often captivates audiences with performances depicting adventures from outer space and fantasy worlds, but a movie directed by former Conestoga TV aide Christopher Pierdomenico focused on something much closer to home. “Delco: The Movie,” an independent film solely shot in Delaware County, played from Jan. 17-19 to sold-out shows. Large crowds packed The Media Theatre’s crimson hallways to watch the 70-minute journey of three high school classmates navigating life in Delaware County in 2004.
Pierdomenico first drafted the story 20 years ago for a school project at Sun Valley High School. He had recently watched the hit indie film “Clerks,” which inspired his passion for filmmaking.
“I was always a storyteller, but that was the first time I realized it was possible to make a film,” Pierdomenico said. “Before that, films were too supernatural, too big. Only people in Hollywood can do that.”
During the summer of 2021, Pierdomenico rewrote the film’s script and enlisted help from former colleagues and students. Leah Cevoli, a television actor and high school friend of Pierdomenico’s, joined the project as a producer for the movie.
“For me, Chris inviting me to be a part of this movie about Delco and seeing how the community turned out is this crazy, surreal, full-circle moment,” Cevoli said. “Here I am producing the biggest film of my career so far (with) the absolute support of the community, and I came back to Delco to do it.”
The story follows three friends’ adventure over one day. Themes of religion, rebellion and living in the county all play an important part in the plot. The movie features numerous witty jabs at Delaware County and its surroundings. Paul Marturano, a comedian and singer-songwriter who contributed to the movie’s soundtrack, enjoyed the lighthearted quips at the community.
“It’s like your family. You love your family, but I like to poke fun at them too,” Marturano said. “So, I thought that is what some of the digs were on Delco. It’s all love.”
The Delaware County community rallied together to help fund the project. A crowdfunding campaign from business owners and community members raised $60,000 for the movie’s production during the summer of 2023. The movie featured some of these business owners and recognizable stores around the county, like the local Wawa, Ro Lynn’s Delicatessen and Springfield Presbyterian Church.
“If you are a Delconian, this is perfect for you because you are going to see places you recognize,” Pierdomenico said. “I love seeing places I recognize (in movies). I wanted to give that experience to Delaware County, the only place (Delaware County residents) recognize, with people they recognize.”
In the future, Pierdomenico looks to get the movie on a streaming platform and expand the story’s universe into other films with new casts of characters. He has also created merchandise and film posters featuring classic Delco jokes. Still, Pierdomenico believes that there is something for everyone in “Delco: The Movie” no matter where they are from.
“There is that local flair where it is a little bit extra, but it is my hope that (the movie) is a broader coming-of-age-story that anybody can enjoy,” Pierdomenico said. “I think everybody has their own Delco. Everybody has this weird place they’re from that nobody really understands, except for them.”
Mary Wolters can be reached at [email protected].
