The Rich (and Delicious) History of Malassada Will be Explored in New Rhode Island Film

For the Portuguese community, malassada is so much more than fried dough. It’s a beloved tradition that has been passed down for generations.

But will the art of malassada making survive?

Dante Bellini Jr., Director of the upcoming Benny’s documentary, explores the fragility of old-world traditions in a new documentary short called Malassada Day.

Get our free mobile app

What Is Malassada Day About?

Will the Portuguese malassada survive moving forward? Or will time and indifference disconnect a younger generation from their sacred ancestral rituals?

This question kept creeping up for Bellini while he was in the midst of other film projects, but after diving a little deeper into everything that is Portuguese and Azorean, he saw a need to find the answers in a mini documentary with his team at Hooligan Film Productions.

“The film is an intimate portrait of the Portuguese culture and a behind-the-scenes peek into the passionate people and painstaking preparation of the deep-fried dough confection, filhós, or more commonly known as the malassada; for sale at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church located in the Fox Point section of Providence,” said Bellini.

The story began as a simple fascination for the sweet treat, but Bellini quickly uncovered the important values the treat symbolized: faith, family, and community.

“However, a major threat was also revealed,” he said. “Would the older age of the women and lack of interest in learning the tradition by the younger generation imperil the future of malassada?”

READ MORE: There is a Shack in Fairhaven That Makes Fresh Mini Malasadas Bites

The documentary focuses on a dedicated group of women who hail from both the Azores and the Mainland. They have been making malassada for the semi-annual feasts at Our Lady of the Rosary for decades, but many of the women are getting older, have become sick, or have passed on.

Malassada Day asks the burning question, "Will the next generation step up to keep the tradition going?"

Bellini called on the expertise of Maria Lawton, the chef, host, and producer of Maria’s Portuguese Table, and Michael Benevides, owner of Portugalia Marketplace in Fall River, to provide historical tidbits and their two cents on the next generation’s role.

“In under 18 minutes, Malassada Day tells a universal story about the importance of holding on to our culture and rituals, whatever they may be from wherever we come from, in an ever-changing society,” said Bellini. “This is an unexpected and heartfelt film that will make you think about your grandmother and possibly her grandmother and the traditions we keep and even those we lose.”

Where to Watch Malassada Day

The film will be entered into the film festival circuit this year. There will also be a series of local screenings, with dates to be announced at a later time.

For now, enjoy this exclusive sneak peak, courtesy of Hooligan Film Productions.