COLUMBIANA, Ohio – A locally made movie set in Youngstown’s steel and mafia era will premiere Nov. 28 at Columbiana Arts Theater.
“Brier Hill” was directed by Jimmy Taaffe of Struthers and is based on his 2003 novel of the same name. Taaffe also wrote the screenplay.
The film takes place in 1977 – mainly in the Brier Hill neighborhood on Youngstown’s north side.
In those days, Brier Hill was a busy place, hanging on to its Italian American heritage. The steel industry was the major force of the Mahoning Valley at the time, and the mafia had its own grip on power.
The film follows young couple Benny and Taffy, who are forced down a path of vengeance and self-preservation. Valley natives John D’Andrea and Adriana Vennetti play the couple.
Taaffe was unsure of where to set his story when he started to write the novel. After doing some research, he settled on Brier Hill.
“I found it to be rich in both Youngstown history and organized crime,” Taaffe said.
The story’s protagonists find themselves at odds with gangsters, although not by choice. “They’re forced into making a decision that will affect their lives,” Taaffe said.
Filming took place during the summer in Struthers, Youngstown and Leetonia.
The other principal actors are John Yuhas, Marcanthony Gabriele and Peter Stephen Lucic.
Taaffe said he will submit “Brier Hill” to film festivals and distributors. It will also be placed on some streaming sites.
It’s his third novel, following “Angel Mine” and “Gemini.” Those two books were also turned into movies, but by other local filmmakers and not the author.
Taaffe, who owns Limelight Images photography service, is already working on his next book, “Chasing Dinosaurs,” which will be published in the spring.
Tickets for the Nov. 28 screening of “Brier Hill” are $30 (plus fees) and can be purchased HERE in advance. VIP tickets are $100 and include a 4:30 p.m. reception at Risers Tavern on the Links and early entry to the theater. The film, which is rated PG-13, will be screened at 7 p.m.
Pictured at top: Adriana Vennetti and John D’Andrea in a scene from “Brier Hill.”