Real people depict the characters in a movie about the JFK assassination, which was filmed in Winnipeg.
In the world of film, a new production is set to shed light on one of the most debated events in American history – the assassination of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy. Produced by Kevin DeWalt of Minds Eye Entertainment, the movie "November 1963" offers an intriguing perspective, focusing on the role of the Chicago Outfit, particularly the mob boss Sam Giancana and his family.
Nicholas Celozzi, the screenplay's writer, has spent much of his life investigating the events leading up to Kennedy's assassination. His goal is not to ruffle feathers but to put in the missing piece without glamorizing the events. To ensure authenticity, Celozzi worked closely with Sam Giancana's daughter, Bonnie Giancana, and relied on the stories of Pepe Giancana, Sam's brother, who shared insight into his family's possible involvement in the assassination.
"November 1963" takes viewers on a journey through the 48 hours leading up to Kennedy's assassination, relying on Pepe Giancana's stories, known as the "Pepe chronicles." The movie features an impressive cast, including John Travolta, Dermot Mulroney, and Mandy Patinkin.
The film was shot in Winnipeg, Canada, with Dealey Plaza and the Grassy Knoll built from scratch at Birds Hill Provincial Park, northeast of Winnipeg. Producers chose Winnipeg over other major cities such as Atlanta and New Orleans due to its Exchange District neighborhood, which provided an ideal backdrop for the 1960s setting.
"November 1963" boasts a large cast of 1,500 extras and 75 to 80 period cars. The movie wrapped shooting in Winnipeg and is currently in post-production in Saskatchewan. Roland Joffé, renowned for his work on films like "The Killing Fields" and "The Scarlet Letter," directed the production.
The screenplay does not recycle common conspiracy theories but instead presents an untold narrative centered on loyalty, betrayal, and complex moral grey areas within the Chicago mob during that era. It highlights events in the 48 hours leading up to the assassination and portrays the Chicago Outfit's possible orchestration of the deadly conspiracy as a response to political betrayals, particularly Kennedy turning against the mob despite their earlier support.
Celozzi’s motivation includes correcting and reclaiming his family’s story from exploitation and misrepresentation, providing emotional authenticity to characters who are "real people" with fears and flaws rather than myths. The film uses innovative storytelling techniques such as split screens and simultaneous storylines to immerse the audience in the layered historical context as Celozzi experienced it through his uncle Joseph (Pepe) Giancana.
As "November 1963" moves towards its release, producer Kevin DeWalt expects viewers will be impressed by the film's authenticity and validity, offering a fresh perspective on one of the most significant events in American history.
In the process of bringing "November 1963" to life, journalist Nicholas Celozzi, who penned the screenplay, secured insights from Sam Giancana's family members to provide an authentic depiction of the Chicago Outfit's possible involvement in the JFK assassination. This upcoming movie, directed by Roland Joffé, will feature multiple interview sessions, delving into the complex moral gray areas within the Chicago mob during the 1960s, as portrayed in movies-and-tv within the entertainment industry.
