FAMILY BUSINESS
by Tom Cohen. 1982, US, 87 min.
Howie Snyder is an ex-Marine colonel struggling to make his Shakey's Pizza franchise in Muncie, Indiana profitable while employing his wife and nine children. As the family faces looming bankruptcy, they rally together to keep the dream alive and save their small business. This film is part of the landmark Middletown series documenting working-class life in the American Midwest.
"Remarkably intimate... There are scenes that will stick with you for life." – Chicago Tribune
“It is as much a sweet slice of 1970s America as it is a look into the freedoms and hazards of keeping a small business in the family.” – Harvard Film Archive
“Has one of the most dramatic family arguments I’ve ever seen captured on film. There are a few of these still operating around Los Angeles, but they don’t resemble the golden age sit-down pizza joints anymore.” – John Wilson
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Rockaway Film Festival would like to thank VBX™~Vernam Basin Terminal for generously hosting us at the Arverne and Annex Cinemas in addition to BBX™~Barbadoes Basin Terminal for contributing to such.
We are proud to be sponsored by Blundstone®, Istic Illic Pictures, and NYC Ferry. Rockaway Film Festival made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. Rockaway Film Festival is funded in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Art. We receive additional support from Queens Borough President Donovan Richards.