Men of the Cloth Master tailor Joe Centofanti

Film: Men of the Cloth

Men of the Cloth is an inspiring portrait of three Italian master tailors who confront the decline of the apprentice system as they navigate their challenging roles in the twilight of their careers. Directed by Vicki Vasilopoulos, the film unravels the mystery of their artistry and reveals how their passionate devotion to their Old World craft is akin to a religion.

Italians Nino Corvato, Joe Centofanti, and Checchino Fonticoli are master tailors who have spent a lifetime perfecting the skills necessary to construct flawless custom-made suits for their clients in New York City, Philadelphia, and Penne, Italy, a fascinating process broken down step-by-step in Men of the Cloth. Now, they fear that their Old World knowledge will vanish with them. Enter Joe Genuardi, a tailoring apprentice who reflects the resurgence of popular interest in artisanal craftsmanship as an alternative to corporate mass production, providing hope for the future of this craft.

Men of the Cloth is structured like a triptych: each character’s story gives us an insight into the past, present, and future of the craft. The whir of the sewing machine, the clank of the steam iron, and the sharp slicing of the tailor’s scissors create an aural symphony. As they go about their daily tasks, they share observations that are, by turns, nostalgic, poignant, and humorous.

Filmed over the course of eleven years, Men of the Cloth is a meditation on the value of handmade clothing. View MEN OF THE CLOTH film trailer.

Running Time: 96 minutes, Blu Ray

Men of the Cloth Master tailor Joe Centofanti