Nestled in the Veneto region of Italy, Bassano del Grappa captivates with its scenic beauty, defined by medieval architecture and the iconic Ponte Vecchio. Rich in history, the town emanates a distinctly artistic ambience formed over centuries by some of Italy’s most celebrated painters, sculptors, and engravers. It was here, in this vibrant town, that NAJO’s Made in Italy story began.

Our crew was tasked with producing a short documentary that expressed the soul of the ‘Made in Italy’ stamp and the pure artistry that goes into chain production. NAJO has been working with the same family-run business to produce their chains for over 20 years. Chain making in Italy has a rich history - artisans here have been chain-making since the 19th century and Italy has been a centre of metalwork trade for millennia.

At the workshop, we interviewed Luigi, who explained to us the beauty of the simplicity of the chain. We were given the freedom to wander the atelier floors, speaking to workers and asking about their specific role in the chain-making process. Many have worked in the factory for decades and watching their hands is like watching an extension of the machines that they operate.

At Storya, we are passionate about telling stories of human craft and artistry. We believe in the power of film to share these stories with the world and encourage appreciation of the intricate details of craftsmanship. By producing a short documentary as well as a series of social cuts, we aim to translate these crafts and traditions into moving images with impact.