Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 3/7/25 – When most of us think of Italian Americans, our thoughts turn to areas of culture such as film, opera, and food. However, one of America’s greatest bankers, Amadeo Peter Giannini, was an Italian American based in San Francisco. At the turn of the twentieth century, Giannini founded the Bank of Italy that was to become the Bank of America.
Like many before him, Giannini succeeded by trusting in ”a little fellow”–other recent immigrants who also had a dream. His compassionate methods of wealth management are documented in Davide Fiore’s full-length feature, A LITTLE FELLOW.
Giannini wasn’t just a benefactor to the disenfranchised of California. He also played a pivotal role in rebuilding San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake and funding bold ventures like Hollywood films, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Hewlett-Packard during the Great Depression. His bank supported the steel and agricultural industries through both World Wars and even aided Europe’s reconstruction.
Along the way, Giannini faced resistance from establishment bankers, who saw his progressive ideas as a threat. Despite opposition, he remained steadfast in his mission, famously stating, “I think what I am most proud of is anything I may have done to help with the humanization of banking.”
The historical footage in gorgeous sepia tones and unusually lively interviews make A LITTLE FELLOW a joy to watch. “THT’s exclusive interview with director Davide Fiore further illuminates Giannini’s substantial legacy.”
What put Giannini on your radar as a possible documentary subject?
It was 2017, and I had just landed in San Francisco from Italy, searching for connections and a compelling story—something I could turn into a short film or documentary to introduce myself to the local film community and, eventually, the larger California scene.
One day, while wandering through the city, I came across a plaque on a building. It marked the original headquarters of the Bank of Italy, which later became Bank of America. The name on it? A.P. Giannini, the son of Italian immigrants. I was stunned.
Curious, I borrowed some books from the public library and started reading about him. The more I learned, the more fascinated I became. Here was a man who revolutionized banking, made financial services accessible to immigrants and the working class, and helped finance landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and even Hollywood’s rise.
I searched for a documentary, a series, or even a feature film about him—but found nothing. That felt like a sign. This was the story I needed to tell.
As I dug deeper, Giannini’s story became more than just history to me—it became personal. He wasn’t just a visionary banker; he embodied resilience, opportunity, and the fight against the odds.
Over time, he felt like the Italian American grandfather I never had. And so, A LITTLE FELLOW was born—a documentary about an extraordinary man whose legacy shaped modern America.
What were some of the most surprising things you learned while making this film?
First of all, A.P. Giannini was an incredibly humble man. He didn’t come from wealth, yet he created immense prosperity for California and, eventually, the entire United States.
One of the most surprising discoveries was through conversations with his granddaughters. They casually mentioned their family’s connections with U.S. presidents like JFK and FDR—something I never expected.
But what truly amazed me was how, despite building one of the biggest financial institutions in the world, Giannini remained uncorrupted by money. He never saw wealth as a means of personal gain but as a way to uplift others—immigrants, women, and the working class.
His vision was always about empowering the “little fellows,” not exploiting them. Even at the height of his success, he stayed true to his values. That, to me, is what makes his story so extraordinary.
Do you think Giannini’s banking practices could still be valid today?
There are many lessons we can take from Giannini, even today. Technology evolves, lifestyles change, but what remains constant is how we treat our fellow human beings.
Giannini’s impact wasn’t about technology, policies, or financial programs—it was about people. He believed in judging others not by their wealth, religion, or background, but by their character. That mindset is just as relevant today as it was then.
At the core of everything, there is humanity. And that’s a practice we can—and should—carry forward.
Are there other forgotten California heroes you would like to document in films?
That’s a great question. There are definitely many unsung heroes throughout California—I wouldn’t even know where to start. But I believe the right story finds you, not the other way around.
A.P. Giannini’s story spoke to me on a deeply personal level, and in many ways, I don’t think I’m done telling it. I’m already exploring the idea of a series or a feature film about him, and I’ve started working on that.
So, while there are many incredible stories out there, for now, Giannini’s legacy still has more to say.