A Little Fellow: The Legacy of A.P. Giannini made its San Francisco premiere at the historic Cowell Theater on June 2, drawing a full house and a 2 minutes heartfelt applause. The documentary, which tells the story of A.P. Giannini, a visionary Italian American who founded the Bank of America and revolutionized modern banking, was met with a standing ovation.

For the occasion, A.P.’s original 1933 Lincoln KB Sedan was proudly displayed in front of the venue thanks to Randy Welch and the California Auto Museum in Sacramento. Director Davide Fiore and producers Sacha Smith and Chiara Fornetti were present for the screening and warmly greeted by the audience, which included prominent members of the local Italian American community and Bank of America.

The event was generously sponsored by the Museo Italo Americano, the SFIAC Foundation, Italian Community Services, and Le Donne D’Italia, who together made the evening a celebration of heritage and legacy.

The premiere was especially heartfelt as it honored the recent passing of Virginia Hammerness, Giannini’s granddaughter, a beloved and tireless advocate for the Italian American community in San Francisco. Her memory was celebrated with emotion and gratitude throughout the night.

Following the screening, guests gathered for a reception at the Museo Italo Americano, sponsored by the SFIAC. Surrounded by the current exhibition displaying the Richard Louis Perri art, attendees had the opportunity to meet the filmmakers, share reflections, and continue the conversation about A.P. Giannini’s enduring impact on American society and witness his desk recently donated by Bank of America to the Museum.