GUYS NIGHT: A Story of Fathers, Sons, and the Power of Showing Up

In a time when divorced fathers are too often marginalized in media and courts alike, Guys Night offers something rare: visibility, compassion, and emotional truth.

Inspired by true events, Guys Night tells the story of Anthony Vitello, a stoic yet devoted father raising three boys on his own in 1980s Hometown, Illinois, after their mother leaves. Desperate to hold his sons together, he invents a weekly tradition he calls "Guys Night" — an evening of VHS tapes, snacks, and bonding. What begins as a distraction becomes the emotional backbone of a fractured family.

The story is written and produced by Niko Vitacco, one of those real-life boys. He describes the film as "a love letter to my dad, to brothers, and to every man who ever stayed, even when it was hard."

More than just nostalgia or coming-of-age, Guys Night is a cinematic advocacy tool. It challenges assumptions about custody, highlights the emotional labor of custodial fathers, and normalizes vulnerability in men. The film's mission is to spark healing and shift how we talk about masculinity, divorce, and shared parenting.

Now in its fundraising stage, Guys Night is fiscally sponsored by IFA Chicago, meaning all donations are fully tax-deductible. The campaign aims to raise $350,000 to unlock full financing and bring this story to screens across the country.

National Parents Organization is proud to support this project as a partner in visibility and reach. Together, we believe storytelling can lead to policy change, deeper empathy, and better outcomes for families.

To learn more, watch the pitch video, donate to the campaign, or share the story with your community — visit: givebutter.com/guysnight

Because sometimes the greatest act of fatherhood is simply showing up.