The thesis explores the representation of migration to Italy, through the study of a range of films selected for their thematic relevance as much as their aesthetic complexity. Beyond the scope of film analysis, it aims to add a contextualization of the social, political and cultural issues that connect migration and cinema, at the point where film studies and cultural studies converge.

Following the Second World War, there was an increase of Italian immigration to Vancouver. Many Italians found their way to Vancouver through informal social networks established by earlier migrants. Once there, Italians turned to those networks to find work, housing, and familiarity. Italians also continued to produce and consume foods in Vancouver in similar ways to Italy. By looking at Vancouver Italian foodways, this thesis seeks to understand how food contributed to Italian Canadian identity. Postwar Italian immigrants brought established cuisines with them to Vancouver. They then actively sought to maintain those food customs. Nevertheless, in order to continue living in Vancouver Italians adapted their livelihoods, familial gender divisions, and the ways they acquired foods. They cooperated with immigrants from other regions of Italy and accepted foods with Italianità (Italianess) when they could not acquire foods from their hometowns. The result was a complicated identity that included social interactions between Italians, as well as a combination of Italian and Canadian foods. / Graduate / 2017-08-15 / 0334 / 0335 / 0326 / sambiagioni@gmail.com