Luca Perito Discusses Directing ‘Ciao, Mama’ and Johnny Wactor’s Legacy

Filmmaker Luca Perito has opened up about his experience directing the film Ciao, Mama and reflected on the influence of the late actor Johnny Wactor, known for his role in “General Hospital.” This deeply personal project emerged from a difficult time in Perito’s life when his mother was diagnosed with cancer in 2016. Living in Los Angeles, he felt a profound sense of helplessness and confusion about her future.

Perito recalled the moment he received a call from his mother after her first chemotherapy session. Her insistence that everything would be fine left him feeling more bewildered than reassured. That night, he channeled his emotions into writing a ten-page one-act play. “A few months later, Micah Joe Parker and I staged it at our acting studio, Stuart Rogers Studio,” he explained. The play ran for a couple of weeks, but Perito never intended it to evolve into a film until a series of life events prompted him to expand the story.

In March 2020, during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Perito relocated back to New York and stayed with his parents in Delaware. The time away from the chaos allowed him to reflect and create. “I watched every movie I could and read as much as possible. The idea for Ciao, Mama began to crystallize after I read Ryan Holiday’s ‘Ego is the Enemy,’” he stated. This introspection ignited a desire to produce a film, leading him to revisit the earlier work, which was originally titled “American Sognare.”

The title change from “American Sognare” to Ciao, Mama was a necessary decision, influenced partly by the challenges of pronunciation faced by cast and crew, particularly after Wactor’s passing. “We heard several news reporters mispronounce the film on TV,” Perito noted. After some deliberation, a suggestion from Micah struck a chord, and the new title was quickly adopted.

The film holds significant importance for Perito, reflecting both his mother’s struggles and his own journey as an actor. “Tony, the main character, is more successful than I ever was, but I relate to his experiences,” he said. The project took on an even deeper meaning after Wactor’s death, morphing into a tribute that encapsulated the essence of the actor’s final performance.

Wactor’s presence on set was instrumental. “He was diligent and genuinely cared for everyone involved,” Perito shared, recalling how Wactor balanced being a lead actor and a producer seamlessly. This dynamic not only fostered a collaborative atmosphere but also created a sense of family among the cast and crew, which was vital given the tight shooting schedule.

Perito expressed gratitude for the remarkable cast, stating, “They delivered outstanding performances with minimal rehearsal time.” He credited the training he received at Stuart Rogers Studio for helping him communicate effectively with actors, a skill he found invaluable as a director.

Creating Ciao, Mama was an arduous journey that tested Perito’s resolve. “It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” he admitted. He drew inspiration from a painting of Jon Snow from “Game of Thrones,” capturing the essence of facing overwhelming challenges. “I felt like him, surrounded by an oncoming horde, but I survived because of the support I had,” he reflected.

The film premiered at the American Theater in Charleston, South Carolina, where Perito found it challenging to watch. “I hid in the projection booth,” he confessed, although he was thrilled to share the experience with Wactor’s family and supporters. “Seeing Johnny’s family respond positively meant everything. It felt like I was connecting with him through them,” he said.

As for what he hopes audiences take away from Ciao, Mama, Perito emphasized the enduring impact of those we lose. “Goodbyes are B.S. The people who leave a lasting impression on you never truly leave,” he stated. He aims for the film to evoke a range of emotions, encouraging viewers to reflect on their relationships and the legacies left behind.

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