Potentially Dangerous- Shedding Light On Italian Immigrant Struggles

We had the honor of sitting down with Zach Baliva, the director of the award-winning documentary Potentially Dangerous, now available for streaming and on DVD just in time for the recent Italian American Heritage Month (October). The film is executive produced by John Turturro (Severance) and produced thanks to the Russo Brothers Italian American Film Fund.

The film sheds light on the little-known, yet incredibly relevant, story of Italian immigrants in the U.S. during World War II, who faced detainment and suspicion due to their heritage—an issue that resonates deeply today as the country continues to grapple with the demonisation of immigrants.

Let’s now shift to the main focus of our interview, how are you using your success to bring goodness to the world? Can you share with us the meaningful or exciting social impact causes you are working on right now?  

As a documentary filmmaker, I have the unique opportunity to give voice to those who haven’t been able to tell their story. I’m so grateful that we were able to capture important first-person testimonies in Potentially Dangerous. These people are sharing how traumatic events from 80 years ago shaped them. Most of them are in their 80s and 90s and won’t be around to tell their stories much longer, but we preserved their experiences for future generations to learn from. I’m now raising money for a follow-up documentary on an all-immigrant soccer team playing their sport in Italy and fighting racism at the same time. 

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why? Please share a story or example for each.

1. Don’t be afraid to fail – It can be hard to commit to a project, especially a documentary, when you dont know how it will turn out. That can paralyze us as creatives, but I’ve learned to push through the fear. Even if the story doesn’t turn out like you had thought, there will be a different way to tell the story. Often, the result will be stronger for the struggle. 
2. Just ask – The gatekeepers like to tell others that they can’t approach certain people for help or they must follow certain rules of engagement like waiting two weeks between emails, for example. Shoot your shot, what have you got to lose? 
3. You are not alone – If you share your passion, people will be willing to help and support you. I thought it would be hard to get people to care about Potentially Dangerous, but most people who heard about this unknown story became interested. We did a Kickstarter campaign to increase our budget, and wound up with more than a hundred supporters. Many of them became strong advocates for the film and its cause. 
4. There’s enough for all of us – This may be my biggest lesson. The arts can feel like a battle as we apply for grants or awards or other resources. I used to surrender to this pressure and feel jealous or competitive. But there are many important stories that need to be told, and there are enough funding opportunities and film festivals for everyone. Life is better when we can collaborate and encourage other artists. 
5. There will be a lot of rejection – It’s just part of life as a filmmaker or other type of artist. I receive three rejection emails today while working on this interview, and it’s not even noon. Believe in your story, realize the rejection isn’t personal, vent to a trusted friend, and then resolve to keep going. The story you want to tell matters, or you would never have been drawn to it in the first place. 

Tell us about what inspired you to want to do this documentary?  

I found out about the Russo Brothers Italian American Film Forum, which is a program that funds films that highlight the Italian American experience. I wanted to enter, but needed a story. I simply Googled “Unknown Italian American History” and found Una Storia Segreta, which translates to A Secret Story or A Secret History. The non fiction book by Larry DiStasi talks about the persecution of Italians as America’s Enemy Aliens during WWII. I was fascinated, contacted Larry, entered the film forum, and received a grant. 

What can we expect from you next? What is on the agenda?

We have several stories in pre-production including one about an all-migrant soccer team finding hope and fighting racism through the sport. 

How can fans to watch this film?

It is now on many PBS Member Stations, and we also have DVDs and streaming access available on our website at potentiallydangerousfilm.com 

In your opinion, how hard is it to break into the entertainment industry?  

Right now is a hard time in the industry, but I do want people to realize how many non-traditional methods there are. I won a film forum sponsored by the biggest directing duo in the world. Other filmmakers are breaking through on social media or video streaming platforms. More are finding support on Kickstarter. Find a good story you’re passionate about, and fight to make it a reality. 

What is the best way for our readers and your fans to follow you online?

We are at potentiallydangerousfilm.com and on social media @potentiallydangerousfilm