DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT
Sicily is the home of my wife and her family, who welcomed me with open arms to its shores. The island’s rich stories and local legends sparked my imagination. When I learned of the region’s swordfish fishing culture, I was compelled to explore further. Through the network of friends and family, we were introduced to Nino Arena and his son Luca. This documentary is built on trust—a reminder of the old notion that a handshake is your word. This documentary captures the timeless ways of a village that has preserved its identity across generations, standing firm against the currents of change. It is a story of tradition, of how the past continues to shape the present in a world that moves ever forward.
ABOUT THE FILM
ABOUT
The Greek historian Polybius was among the first to chronicle the fishing of sword-fish in the Strait of Messina, Southern Italy. In Polybius’s telling, after offering homage to the sea god Poseidon, two men set out in a small boat painted to resemble a swordfish. One man would row, while the other produced an arpione, a harpoon with a detachable metal head. When a swordfish was sighted, the oarsman would maneuver the boat as close to the fish as possible, and the second man would strike it with the harpoon. If the strike was successful, the men, using a long line, could control the fish until it ceased to struggle, then haul it to land for feast.
More than 2,000 years later, fishing for swordfish in the Strait of Messina endures. Luca Arena is the last of a long line of fishermen in his family and his dream is to spend his life on the sea. His father Nino is a village legend and the captain of the family boat, a large wooden vessel that resembles their prey, swordfish. In some ways, this unique way of fishing and the quaint fishing town of Ganzirri where they live, has changed very little.
Except today, Nino’s love for his son Luca surpasses the village traditions as he guides his son towards a new heading. SONS OF THE SEA is an intimate portrait of a father and son and how modern times have strained the heart of this tradition and the legacy of one family.
FILM TEAM
Richard Patterson
Director, Producer, Writer, Editor
Richard Patterson is an award-winning documentary cinematographer and producer. In 2010, he founded Four Bent Corners, a creative agency specialising in commercial and brand storytelling. Sons of the Sea marks his directorial debut.
Richard’s documentary work explores the balance of tradition, oral history, and culture across generations. Richard was the Director of Photography and Co-producer on the short film, Papa Machete (TIFF 2014 & SUNDANCE 2015), which earned numerous awards in its year of release.
Rooted in photojournalism, he spent the first decade of his career as a staff photographer at The Miami Herald before becoming a regular contributor to The New York Times and Der Spiegel.
With a keen eye for visual storytelling, Richard continues to bridge journalism and filmmaking, crafting narratives that capture the depth and nuance of human experience.
Sarina Di Mento
Producer
As an Executive Producer and Creative Director, Sarina Di Mento specializes in crafting visually non compelling narratives that resonate with global audiences. With a background in high-end commercial film and photography, she brings a strategic and creative vision that elevates brand storytelling.
Her leadership in branding and content creation has driven impactful collaborations across industries, blending artistry with purpose. Beyond commercial work, Sarina is passionate about documentary filmmaking, using the power of real stories to inform, inspire, and ignite change. She believes in uncovering untold perspectives and bringing them to life with authenticity and emotional depth.
This documentary reflects her commitment to storytelling that sparks conversation, fosters understanding, and leaves a lasting impression.
Beth Aala
Producer
Beth Aala is an Emmy and Peabody award-winning Filipina documentary filmmaker, and music is always a part of her work. She directed and produced UNCHARTED with Alicia Keys (TRIBECA 2023); THIS IS BRIGHTON (NEWPORT BEACH 2023); MADE IN BOISE (AFI DOCS 2019); SUPERMENSCH: THE LEGEND OF SHEP GORDON (TIFF 2013).
Beth’s films have premiered at premiere festivals including Sundance, Tribeca, Toronto International Film Festival, Woodstock and AFI. Furthermore, Beth’s work can be seen on HBO, PBS, Netflix, Discovery, A&E, MTV and Paramount+.
She also EP’d ALL THINGS METAL (TRIBECA 2024) which was on DOCNYC’s shortlist for the Oscars. She is a two-time recipient of the NYSCA Artist Grant, a member of A-DOC, Brown Girls Doc Mafia, Filipinx Filmmakers and is a Wyncote Fellow. In 2024, Beth was awarded the prestigious Chicken and Egg Artist Breakthrough Award.
Gianclaudio Angelini
Executive Producer
Gianclaudio is an Emmy Award-winning director and video producer with 25+ years of experience. A seasoned journalist, he has covered breaking news, sports, and live events across TV, online, and print. At RAI TV, he was a segment host and field producer for Italy’s top morning show, Uno Mattina.
After moving to New York, he founded Ready to Air, creating content for leading agencies, Fortune 500 companies, and major networks. He later led clinical research content for Yale School of Medicine.
GC served as Director General of the Foedus Foundation, a cultural philanthropic institution in Italy, and was on the board of the Capri Awards. Fluent in Italian, English, and Spanish, he also speaks French.
His accolades include an Emmy, a Webby, a Gold SIA Award, and a New York Festivals Finalist Award. Passionate about special needs and autism causes, his work has been nominated for an Edward Murrow Award.