Written and Directed by Madeleine Martiniello

There are certain things that only those of us who live here in Melbourne, Australia can truly understand. The many challenges and varying impacts incurred enduring the world’s longest COVID-19 lockdown, the grassroots connection to AFL and the giant cult status of iconic businessman and furniture salesman, Franco Cozzo! 

This documentary chronicles Franco’s rise and refusal to fall, shares personal insights into his family life and recounts the numerous and irresistible ways in which he brought Italian culture to Australian homes. For those of you who are aware of a certain controversy and consequential rumours that befell the Cozzo brand and are curious to know if Palazzo Di Cozzo addresses these, this is as far from being an investigative journalism piece as it gets, and you will hear nothing new here. Rather, Palazzo Di Cozzo is a documentary for people who embraced or are willing to embrace Franco’s flamboyant infusion of culture, for a younger generation who know the name and are keen to learn how it became an iconic one and for those who may wish to make their first genuine attempt at appreciating the Gaudy and very much acquired taste style of furniture! If that is you, then Palazzo Di Cozzo should prove to be a wonderfully fascinating and insightful documentary that draws plenty of affection and is even a little nostalgic. I especially enjoyed being taken inside the homes of Melbourne residents who are particularly fond of Cozzo’s design and architecture and have filled every room of their humble abodes with his signature style.

Palazzo Di Cozzo is showing at Cinema Nova, Sun Yarraville, Palace Pentridge, Lido Hawthorn, Classic Elsternwick and Cameo Belgrave from November 25.

Moviedoc thanks ABCG Film for the screener link to watch and review this film.

Review by Leigh for Moviedoc

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