BRAND FILM
New Waterloo
Il Brutto
Il Brutto: A Short Film on Friendship, Food, and Tradition
Overview
This three-minute short film explores the heart of Il Brutto: a blend of modern Texas hospitality and traditional Italian roots. Filmed in the spirit of a vintage black-and-white spaghetti western, the story follows a coastal fishing trip between two Italian friends—New Waterloo partner Delfo Trombetta and Il Brutto Executive Chef Erind Halilaj.
Concept
The film documents a fishing adventure on the Texas coast, where Delfo and Erind set out to catch redfish. Once back on land, they prepare a traditional Italian dish using the fish they caught. That dish will be featured on the menu at Il Brutto, offering guests a literal taste of the journey.
Style & Language
Shot in black and white with a cinematic nod to spaghetti westerns, the film features Italian dialogue with English subtitles. The aesthetic and tone reflect Il Brutto's identity: traditional, handcrafted, and rooted in both Italian heritage and East Austin character.
About Il Brutto
Il Brutto is a neighborhood Italian restaurant in East Austin offering traditional, non-regional Italian fare in a 5,000-square-foot space. The restaurant is known for its daily housemade pastas, Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas, and extensive Italian wine cellar.
Il Brutto blends classic Italian culinary techniques with an East Austin sensibility—an identity that extends from the food to the space, which features handcrafted design elements and a heritage oak-shaded patio.
Key Contributors
Delfo Trombetta: Partner at New Waterloo, the hospitality group behind Il Brutto
Erind Halilaj: Executive Chef at Il Brutto, born in Albania and raised in Italy, trained at Hotel Principe di Savoia in Milan, and former corporate chef at Obicà Mozzarella Bar in NYC
Contact
Website: ilbruttoaustin.com
Instagram: @ilbruttoaustin
A Pixelated Ideas Production
We’re always interested in hearing about ideas you’d like to see Pixelated.
Drop us a note to see what Pixelated Ideas can do for your project.