Wisconsin Documentaries by Ron Faiola
In addition to being an author and photographer, Ron Faiola is a UW-Milwaukee filmmaker who has had four of his documentaries broadcast on PBS stations nationwide. Take a look:
Faiola started off with Fish Fry Night Milwaukee a fun look at some of Milwaukee's favorite places for a fish fry including Hooligan's Super Bar, St. Alphonsus Church, Ray's Butcher Shop, and Lakefront Brewery. (2009) DVD AVAILABLE HERE
That success was followed by the original Wisconsin Supper Clubs documentary that began Faiola's writing career. Broadcast on PBS stations nationwide since 2011, the film's popularity reawakened the Badger State's love of all things supper club.
Wisconsin Supper Clubs - An Old Fashioned Experience features 14 supper clubs including Ishnala in the Dells, HobNob in Racine, and the Tornado Club in Madison. (2011) DVD AVAILABLE HERE
Faiola then went on a summer tour of Milwaukee area church festivals for the documentary Tilt-A-Whirls, Cowbells and Beer (aka Drinking for Jesus) which features the rides, music, food, drinks and fun at local parishes, including St. Roman's, Divine Mercy, and the 55th and final festival at St. Veronica's. Featuring polka music by Jeff Winard. (2015) DVD AVAILABLE HERE
Faiola takes a trip around the state in We're Here for a Fish Fry! for a new look at the Friday tradition, featuring delicious fried cod, perch, bluegill, haddock and smelt, at Maricque's Bar in Green Bay, Wendt's on the Lake in Van Dyne, Stolley's Hog Alley in Delafield, Toby's Supper Club in Madison, Crawford Junction in Milford, and Fitz's on the Lake in Okee. Plus a day harvesting whitefish on the bay of Green Bay, and a bite of fish fry pizza! (2017) DVD AVAILABLE HERE