Director

"Risen is more than a documentary—it’s a tribute to perseverance, legacy, and the quiet strength behind real leadership. When I first met Sam Mercanti, I knew his story wasn’t just about business success—it was about overcoming adversity, staying rooted in family and faith, and lifting others along the way. As a filmmaker, I felt a deep responsibility to capture not just what he built, but who he is. Through heartfelt interviews, restored archival imagery, and moments brought to life with modern tools like AI, this film invites viewers to witness the resilience of an immigrant dream. I made Risen because stories like Sam’s deserve to live on—and inspire."