Serving up Nostalgia for Old Pizza Hut Venues, ‘Slice of Life’ Documentary Sets SXSW Sydney and Chicago Premieres

As a film enthusiast who has spent countless hours traversing the globe in search of unique and captivating stories, I can wholeheartedly say that “Slice of Life: The American Dream. In Former Pizza Huts” is a film that truly piques my interest. Having explored the rich tapestry of international cinema, I must admit that this American road movie promises to offer a fresh perspective on a seemingly mundane subject – repurposed pizza huts.


Renowned documentarians Matthew Salleh and Rose Tucker from Urtext Films are gearing up to present their creation, “A Glimpse into Everyday Life: The American Dream Through Old Pizza Huts,” at the upcoming SXSW Sydney Festival.

The film is set up like a journey on a highway, providing captivating glimpses into what once were Pizza Hut locations across the United States, now transformed, and introducing us to the individuals within these new establishments.

Initially, it’s scheduled to debut on October 19 in Sydney, followed by reheating for its North American debut at the Chicago International Film Festival a few days later. The film will then screen in various cities during a theatrical release in November, though it’s still searching for wider distribution.

I recently delved into a heartfelt exploration, focusing on a dynamic duo who are renowned for their works like “Barbecue” and “We Don’t Deserve Dogs.” This journey took me back in time, peeling layers off the rich history of an iconic American pizza restaurant chain. I was privileged to sit down with Dan Carney, one of the visionary brothers who founded Pizza Hut at 93 years old. What a fascinating tale!

They discovered a diverse assortment of establishments, such as an LGBTQ+ church in Florida, a karaoke bar in Texas, a seafood restaurant in South Carolina, a cannabis store in Colorado, a BBQ joint in Illinois, and a popular Mexican eatery in Virginia that serves as a social hub for the local immigrant community.

The filmmakers stated that these establishments exemplify the spirit of community, their warm and inviting nature, the rejuvenated drive, and the captivating tales along with remarkable individuals associated with independent businesses. This sentiment isn’t dissimilar to the trailblazing attitude of the Carney brothers when they launched the first Pizza Hut in 1958, right here in Wichita, Kansas.

The movie further features a tour of the Pizza Hut Museum in Wichita, which offers various toppings as a backdrop for discussions on the blend of history, architecture, and insights from ex-Pizza Hut executives, historians, and dedicated Pizza Hut enthusiasts.

Serving up Nostalgia for Old Pizza Hut Venues, ‘Slice of Life’ Documentary Sets SXSW Sydney and Chicago Premieres

The movie is additionally set to screen at Wichita’s renowned film gathering, the Tallgrass Film Festival. After creating their last two films across various international backdrops, Salleh expressed that the American road trip film “Slice of Life” presented a unique challenge. “How can we infuse epic and grandeur into the parking lots and outdated facades of old Pizza Hut structures?” Salleh shared his enthusiasm for the chance to film something spectacular in a setting so recognizable to many, expressing, “I was thrilled by the prospect of capturing grandeur in a location familiar to so many.

Tucker shared, “There’s something special about the connection we can build when it’s just the two of us. We know the struggles of managing a small enterprise and consider ourselves quite inventive too. It feels like we share many similarities with those we were filming.” He also mentioned, “We encountered such a wide range of individuals, each with unique perspectives, differing views, distinct lives, and intriguing stories.

At the SXSW Sydney event, Salleh and Tucker will serve as panelists for a workshop named “Beyond Australia: Showcasing at SXSW,” focusing on strategies for international film festivals, sales, and related topics. They will also engage in mentorship sessions during the festival’s duration.

Watch the trailer here.

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2024-10-04 02:52