On Saturday, August 9th, the homecoming premiere of Johnny Wactor’s last-ever movie “Ciao, Mama” took place at the American Theater in Charleston, South Carolina.
Prior to this, it had its world premiere at the Dances With Films in Hollywood on June 24th, 2025.
This invite-only event featured family members, friends and friendly acquaintances of the late but great Johnny Wactor, who was tragically killed in downtown Los Angeles due to an attempted catalytic converter theft incident back on May 25th, 2024.
From Johnny’s family, his mother, Scarlett Wactor, was present at this event, as was his younger brother Grant, and grandmother.
In addition to filmmaker Luca Perito, the movie's production team who attended this screening featured Micah Joe Parker (and lead actor), as well as Colin Flynn (the founder and CEO of Hills and Thrills Productions), Viral Keshwala, and a few donors.
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Photo: The filmmaking and producing team of 'Ciao, Mama' and donors. |
Richards Gregory made the opening remarks as we all gathered in a room, where wine, beer, and other beverages were served. Mr. Gregory described his personal connection and long-term friendship with Johnny Wactor, and he also planned and funded this event; moreover, he made the invites and posters.
The trailer of the movie may be seen below:
Then, we all went to the movie theater for the actual screening of “Ciao, Mama,” which was written and directed by Luca Perito.
It follows Tony Esposito (played by Micah Joe Parker of “The Vampire Diaries”), who returns home for the funeral of his mother who was terminally ill (unbeknownst to him). Tony spent years in LA chasing the dream of becoming an actor, and then he was overcome by guilt for not being there for his mom. She was a firm believer of the need to chase one’s dreams at all costs.
Tony shares some intense and moving scenes with Marco (portrayed by Johnny Wactor), a childhood friend, who is also a functioning addict. Despite his flaws, Marco was always there for Tony’s family and his mother, who confided her secret (about her deteriorating health) to Marco. In these melancholic times, these two need to forget their differences and be there to support each other.
This became a situation of life imitating art, especially since Wactor’s life story intertwined with the movie’s themes, and that helps elevate this raw and gut-wrenching story to a higher level.
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Photo: Marquee of American Theater in Charleston honoring Johnny Wactor |
It reassured us to carry on living our lives in the ways we desire and be happy and grateful for all the great times and wonderful experiences we had with Johnny Wactor.
Following the screening of the movie, we all gathered upstairs for pizza, and mix and mingle moments where we all shared our positive reactions to the indie film “Ciao, Mama.”
According to a post on the “Ciao, Mama” Instagram page, which was re-shared by Micah Joe Parker, it remarked, “What an honor to screen ‘Ciao, Mama’ in Charleston this weekend. Johnny said he would make sure we played at the American Theater and last night, his dream became a reality. Thank you to everyone who helped make it happen."
Johnny Wactor’s last-ever interview was for this online publication (Suzee Behind The Scenes), and it may be read by clicking here.
To learn more about Johnny Wactor and his legacy, visit his Instagram page.
Photo Credit: Markos Papadatos
Marquee of American Theater in Charleston honoring Johnny Wactor
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