Families of Italy

This latest title in the Families of the World cultural series is best watched after lunch, as both sets of relatives of the two Italian young people featured here work in the food business. First, viewers are introduced to 14-year-old Veronica, who lives on a picaresque rural sheep farm with her siblings and parents. Veronica's parents milk sheep and make cheese (viewers get an in-depth look at the process); afterwards, the teen goes to a store to sell the product and later helps layer a tiramisu dessert. The rest of Veronica's time is spent in activities not too different from what you might find in the U.S. (she eats Cocoa Puffs, helps dress her little sister, and surfs Facebook), but the family does enjoy a visit to a holiday light display in Solerno, and looks at Greco-Roman carvings in Paestum and the ruins of Pompeii. Living in the city of Olevano sul Tusciano, 10-year-old Luigi's home is attached to the family business: an olive oil factory. Mom takes Luigi (whose broken ankle leads to a mention of Italy's great free healthcare) to his fourth grade class, before heading home for harvesting and working the oil press. We also see the family at the large midday meal (including broccoli rabé, cheese pie, and homemade wine), and take a look around the farm to see the various fruits being grown. Luigi also attends a musical group dress rehearsal and visits the family tomb on Day of the Dead. Jam-packed with small details about daily life, this addition to the popular series is recommended. Aud: P. (J. Williams-Wood)