Cleveland, OH Desert Wind Films is set to finalize shooting of the documentary “Sugar Wars” 

March 1st, 2010

Los Angeles based production company Desert Wind Films, takes to the streets of historic downtown Cleveland this month. DWF will be shooting the final scenes of their documentary piece "The Sugar Wars". The Film is based on the life of recently deceased former Mobster Angelo Lonardo, a founding father of the Cleveland mafia. Angelo Lonardo was one of the highest-ranking Mafia chieftains to turn state's evidence until Gambino family underboss Sammy "the Bull" Gravano.  After turning on the Mob and helping the U.S. government take down dozens of his former friends and colleagues, Angelo was granted access to the FBI's Federal Witness Protection Program. 

Angelo’s life was complicated, growing up under his father, “Big Joe” Lonardo, then founding father of the Cleveland Mob. Big Joe rose to power as a sugar baron, due to the major business of turning corn sugar into bootleg alcohol during prohibition. During a peace meeting in 1927 he was gunned down by suspected henchman of Angelo Porrello, his competitor and long time family friend. Big Joe’s influences are still apparent in Cleveland today having an impact on modern Unions and city infrastructure.The film encompasses the life of young Angelo from his vengeful murder of Black Sam Todaro, to following in his father’s footsteps as one of the most influential characters in mafia history.He led the family until 1984, when he was convicted of running a drug ring and was sentenced to life in prison. Angelo fearful of spending his remaining days in jail turned and worked as a witness for the FBI, exposing the inside workings of the national network of the “La Cosa Nostra”. The Cleveland family was ravaged by the FBI and other law enforcers to the point where it was thought to have no living members outside of prison by the early 1990’s.After several years living in obscurity and on his deathbed, he came out of hiding at 90 years old to tell his story. 
  

The narrative screenplay written by Richard Deutch will be produced by Los Angeles based production company Desert Wind Films and directed by Thomas “TJ” Amato. TJ, a native to Cleveland has a special interest in this project.“I’ve always hoped that one day I would be in a position to tell a story about my hometown Cleveland. This has been a passion of mine, and I am thrilled that Desert Wind Films will be sharing this story, Sugar Wars” with you. This compelling story is a historic saga on the Cleveland Mob, and will become a chronicle for historians in years to come.”Desert Wind Films was co-founded by Amato in 2007 with current CEO Josh Mills.“We organized Desert Wind for the purpose of producing quality and intelligent content that not only entertains, but educates our audience. That’s why Sugar Wars is a perfect fit. We are thrilled to be working with the Greater Cleveland Film Commission and proud to support the community. We intend to use both local production staff and local actors”, said Mills.    Desert Wind is currently seeking distribution and is scheduled to be completed by late March.Amato concluded by saying, “people have been asking if a feature film version of “Sugar Wars” is underway. I can’t say too much right now, but visit our website in the near future for news on that.” 

Please visit www.DesertWindFilms.com for updates on Sugar Wars.