Documentary film

The Rose Man of Omaha

The Rose Man 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.

image of a guided tour group
Documentary Feature
91 minutes
United States • English
Director: David M. Weiss
Featuring: Dean Battiato

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.

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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).

[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.

CREDITS

Director of Photography SAM SENSER
Accociate 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 Rose Man of Omaha

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