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Exploring the American dream through repurposed Pizza Huts
A unique road movie set to premiere at SXSW Sydney Festival
Celebrated Australian documentary filmmakers Matthew Salleh and Rose Tucker of Urtext Films are gearing up to present their latest creation, “Slice of Life: The American Dream in Former Pizza Huts,” at the upcoming SXSW Sydney Festival. This innovative documentary, structured as a road movie, delves into the fascinating transformation of former Pizza Hut buildings across the United States and the vibrant stories of the people who now inhabit them.
A journey through repurposed spaces
The film is set to make its debut on October 19 in Sydney, followed by its North American premiere at the Chicago International Film Festival. A multi-city theatrical release is planned for November, although the film is still seeking broader distribution.
Salleh and Tucker, known for their previous works “Barbecue” and “We Don’t Deserve Dogs,” explore the nostalgic history of the iconic American pizza chain. They even interview 93-year-old Dan Carney, one of the founding brothers of Pizza Hut, providing a rich historical context to the narrative.
Diverse new lives for old buildings
The documentary uncovers six unique businesses that have taken over former Pizza Hut locations. These range from an LGBTQ+ church in Florida to a karaoke bar in Texas, a seafood restaurant in South Carolina, a cannabis store in Colorado, a BBQ joint in Illinois, and a Mexican eatery in Virginia that serves as a community hub for immigrants. Each of these businesses exemplifies the heart and unity of their communities, showcasing inclusivity and renewed purpose.
The spirit of entrepreneurship
The filmmakers draw parallels between the pioneering spirit of the Carney brothers, who opened the first Pizza Hut in 1958 in Wichita, Kansas, and the modern entrepreneurs who have repurposed these iconic buildings. The film also includes a visit to the Pizza Hut Museum in Wichita, where the selection of toppings includes observations on the intersection of history, architecture, and interviews with former Pizza Hut executives, historians, and self-confessed Pizza Hut enthusiasts.
A grand scale in familiar settings
After filming their previous documentaries in various international locations, Salleh and Tucker faced a new challenge with “Slice of Life.” Salleh expressed excitement about capturing the grandeur of an American road trip within the familiar settings of old Pizza Hut buildings. “How do you bring that epic and grand scale to the parking lots and dated exteriors of old Pizza Hut buildings? I was excited by the opportunity to shoot something grand in a setting so familiar to so many people,” he said.
Intimacy and entrepreneurship
The filmmakers emphasized the intimacy of their project, which was made possible by their small team. “We love the intimacy that we can create with it just being the two of us. We understand the challenges of running a small business, and we like to think we’re quite entrepreneurial as well. I think we have a lot in common with the people we were filming,” said Tucker. The diversity of the people and stories they encountered added depth and richness to the documentary.
Engaging with the industry
At SXSW Sydney, Salleh and Tucker will participate in a Screen Industry Session titled “Beyond Australia: Screening at SXSW,” where they will discuss navigating international festivals, sales, and more. They will also engage in screen mentorship sessions during the festival.
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