STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Sam Borowski is back doing what he does best.
The New Springville resident recently wrapped up his latest film, which he directed and produced.
Only this time, he’s gone back to his roots shooting the final day of the comedy, “The Broship,” at his childhood haunt and “still favorite” eatery, Denino’s in Port Richmond.
From the left, Michael Burke, Mary Dimino, Daniel Roebuck and Giselle Renata King. (Courtesy/Steven Lance)(Courtesy/Steven Lance)
Borowski’s friend, Denino’s owner Michael Burke, even makes a small cameo in the movie.
From the left. actor Daniel Roebuck, director Sam Borowski and executive producer Don Miller after wrapping production on “The Broship” in Denino’s. (Courtesy/Steven Lance)Staten Island Advance
“Michael’s a great man … Salt of the Earth,” Borowski smiled. “He’s not only honest and kind, but he runs the establishment that still puts out the best pizza in the world!
“And he’s got a bit of Hollywood in him.”
According to Borowski, that was just one way that this was a true Staten Island happening.
Sam Borowski checks out the monitor, while directing “The Broship.” (Courtesy/Steven Lance)Staten Island Advance
In addition to Borowski, Grasmere comedian/actress Mary Dimino had a supporting role, as did former Port Richmond firefighter Giselle Renata King, who got her break when she portrayed a firefighter – Jaylen Patterson – in Staten Island native Pete Davidson’s feature, “The King of Staten Island.”
Grasmere comedian Mary Dimino, left, and lead actress Arielle Raycene on the set of The Broship, shot at Denino’s, Port Richmond. (Courtesy/Rich Pagano)Staten Island Advance
But the Island connections don’t stop there.
Don Miller, who was born in Fort Wadsworth — not the community, but in the actual military installation — served as executive producer/first assistant director.
Director Sam Borowski, right, and actor Daniel Roebuck on the set of The Broship, shot at Denino’s, Port Richmond. (Courtesy/Steven Lance)Staten Island Advance
Dimino’s husband, Rich Pagano, got in on the action, working on the crew and serving as an extra.
Mike Hart of Castleton Corners poses with Daniel Roebuck on the set in Denino’s Port Richmond. (Courtesy/Steven Lance)Staten Island Advance
But an even more special reunion occurred when Castleton Corners resident Mike Hart, the brother of the late Advance staffer Stephen Hart, and a close friend of Borowski, visited the set.
The film stars New York native Vinnie Velez and Arielle Raycene as Marcus and Tanya, respectively, who have a strict agreement not to cross the line and go from friends to lovers.
Actors Arielle Raycene and Vinnie Velez in a scene from “The Broship,” reminiscent of “When Harry Met Sally.” (Courtesy/Steven Lance)Staten Island Advance
(Courtesy/Steven Lance)Staten Island Advance
Borowski framed some of the shots in Denino’s as homages to “When Harry Met Sally.”
“We shot this several weeks back before the tragic news about Rob Reiner,” said Borowski. “I’ve always loved ‘When Harry Met Sally,’ as I have most of his movies. It was an honor to pay homage to that classic.”
And Raycene, who’s known for the horror feature “Kill Her Goats,” and the Mel Gibson feature, “Confidential Informant,” and who won numerous awards on the festival circuit for her short film, “Growing Daisies,” is becoming something of an “It Girl.” She currently has 453,000 followers on Instagram.
But the most recognizable face in “The Broship,” is Daniel Roebuck, who not only played the lead of ‘Grandpa’ — a/k/a ‘The Count’ — in the recent Universal Studios retelling of “The Munsters” and played ‘Detective Biggs’ in “The Fugitive” and “US Marshalls” alongside Tommy Lee Jones, has starred in both “Matlock” and “LOST” and even played Jay Leno in the HBO Movie, “The Late Shift.”
“Danny is not only a dear friend and a professional, but he has one of the most well-known faces in this business,” Borowski said. “We’ve worked together double-digit times … so much so, I’ve lost count now!”
Borowski said he’s getting ready to move from development to pre-production on his next feature, “Stay Fresh.”
“The Broship” is expected to premiere on the Festival Circuit in 2026, followed by releases to streaming services.