Sorrento — The Film
Sorrento is a short documentary about legacy, resilience, and the quiet power of tradition passed down through generations.
At the centre of the film is Elia Eliopoulou, a self-taught chef with no formal training, carrying forward a family pizza recipe that originated on the streets of Naples more than a century ago. The recipe survived hardship, migration, and economic uncertainty before finding a new home in Australia, where it continues to be practiced daily inside Sorrento Pizzeria.
Rather than focusing on technique or trend, Sorrento looks at food as cultural inheritance, something learned through repetition, memory, and family rather than instruction. The film explores how identity can be preserved through craft, and how small everyday rituals can hold deep historical weight.
How the Film Came Together
The project was conceived, written, shot and edited over a span of six weeks by Cooper Upcroft and contributions by Zahn K Conrick. From the outset, the aim was to explore Elia’s culinary philosophy and how that journey led to the creation of Sorrento and the ethos behind it.
The entire production was made on a total budget of $1,000, funded through support from Sorrento Pizzeria and donations collected at the public screening. The budget covered only essential out-of-pocket costs, including fuel and travel during production, DCP conversion for cinema screening, theatre hire, and event materials such as posters and printed menus. All creative labour was contributed independently.
Filming took place across multiple visits, allowing the story to unfold naturally rather than being forced into a rigid schedule. This slower approach helped capture both the rhythm of daily life inside the pizzeria and the personal moments that give the film its emotional weight.
Community Screening
The film culminated in a public cinema screening at Avoca Beach Theatre on December 2nd, 2025, where Sorrento premiered to a full audience of 270 people. While tickets were free, all seats were allocated, with the screening reaching full capacity.
The event was entirely organised and produced independently by Zahn Conrick, from venue coordination and ticketing through to promotion, event materials, and on-the-night logistics. The screening brought together a broad cross-section of the Central Coast community, reflecting strong local interest in independent, story-driven filmmaking.
For SepiaUltra, the screening marked a major milestone, their first independent theatrical release and a clear demonstration of community support for long-form, locally produced films.
Why Sorrento Matters
Sorrento was made with limited time, minimal resources, and a small team. Shot over six weeks on a single Sony a6700, the film was developed collaboratively by Zahn Conrick, Cooper Upcroft and Elia Eliopoulou. Without external funding or large infrastructure, the project relied on community support and intention at every stage. The film ultimately reached public exhibition at Avoca Beach Theatre, demonstrating that meaningful, story-driven work can be produced and shared even within tight constraints.
Sorrento | A Documentary By SepiaULTRA
Directed By Cooper U Upcroft
Produced By Zahn K Conrick