Both the film and the play (which the film is based upon) are based on Steve Galluccio's own life and experiences.
Though it isn't mentioned in the movie one of the main reasons Montreal has such a large Italian community is that the province of Quebec, where Montreal is located, was one of the main ports of entry for immigrants to Canada for most of the 19th and 20th centuries.
There is a scene mid closing credits.
The movie managed to recoup over 80% of its budget before it was even released to theaters, because of sales for its foreign distribution rights.
The film's title is also the title of a famous Italian song. Strangely enough, the song itself is nowhere to be heard during the entire film.