Documentary film

The RoseMan of Omaha

The RoseMan of Omaha tells the story of Dean Battiato, a Sicilian-American man on the spectrum, who faces life's hardships with resilience and remarkable gifts, all while selling roses to spread love in a search for belonging and connection.

Host screening
SCREENINGS
image of a guided tour group
image of a guided tour group
image of a guided tour group
Documentary Feature
91 Minute Runtime
United States • English
Director:
David M. Weiss
Featuring:
Dean Battiato

OFFICIAL TRAILER

A film about inclusion, perseverance, and the depth hidden behind surface judgments.

“Never judge a book by its cover.”

About the Film

Dean Battiato is a familiar face in Omaha—selling roses to strangers across bars and restaurants as a symbol of love. But the man who sells love struggles to find it for himself. The film follows Dean’s resilience through adversity, including battles with cancer, bullying, and violent attacks, while his remarkable gifts—especially his memory for numbers—lead into numerology and self-discovery, and a journey to trace his Sicilian roots in search of meaning and connection.

image of parents and staff discussing enrollment

WHY HOST

  • Built for post-screening discussion about identity, belonging, and perception.

  • A community-rooted story with a recognizable Omaha figure (strong local + regional draw).

  • Themes that fit university, library, and civic programming (resilience, disability/autism, empathy).

Host screening
Support film
[background image] image of stage with seating (for an author & writer)

• Inclusion
• Disability/Autism
• Community
• Resilience
• Family/Roots
• Empathy

Host Information

We offer screenings for community venues, universities, and institutions. Options can include a post-film Q&A with the filmmaker and/or participants, based on scheduling.

Runtime

91 minutes

Director

David M. Weiss

Featuring

Dean Battiato
image of a wellness workshop in a pharmacy setting
[interface] image of mobile app usage (for an ai fintech company)
image of interior store decor (for a clothing boutique)

CREDITS

Director of Photography         SAM SENSER
Associate Producer                   MJ PETERS
Colorist                                          CODY JONES
Composer                                     MATT WALKER
Sound Designer                          ALEXANDER HAMILTON
Audio Technician                       IAN SNYDER
Gaffer                                              AARON SMITH
Key Grip                                         SCOTT PITTOCK
Camera Operator                      DAN NAPOLI
Production Assistant               ANGIE SENSER
Creative Consultant                 BRIAN OLSON
                                                          PATRICK BRYANT

Request a Screening for the
The RoseMan of Omaha

For community venues, universities, and institutions interested in hosting a screening.

Host screening