My name is John Rinaldo. I am an author, filmmaker, and founder of The Positive Pen. I am developing Ciao Bella: Forgotten in the Shadows, a book and documentary about a true WWII story from Northern Italy, where a priest and local families risked everything to save more than fifty Jewish families.

This project began with a simple question: How many stories were never told?

During the war, ordinary people made extraordinary choices. They hid strangers, protected vulnerable families, and put their own lives at risk. I want to help preserve these accounts through historical research, personal stories, writing, and documentary filmmaking so future generations can learn from their courage.

What your support will help make possible

Contributions will support the work needed to develop the book and documentary, including historical research and verification, gathering personal accounts, documenting relevant locations, writing and preparing the book, and filming and editing the documentary. Funds will be directed toward the next achievable stages as resources become available.

This is a project in development. Donations support that work; they are not purchases of a book or film and do not include the rewards offered in the previous Kickstarter campaign. Research, travel, production, and publishing schedules may change. I will share progress updates and explain how funds are being used as the project moves forward.

Why a new fundraiser?

Our original Kickstarter campaign ended on July 31, 2026 without reaching its funding goal. Those pledges were not collected. This GoFundMe is a new opportunity to support the project through donations as we work toward achievable milestones.

This story is rooted in family, history, and a responsibility to remember. If its purpose speaks to you, please consider contributing or sharing this page. Every contribution and every introduction to someone who may have relevant knowledge, historical material, or an interest in the project can help.

Thank you for helping preserve a story of courage and humanity.

John Rinaldo

Author | Filmmaker | Founder, The Positive Pen