Millvale Venue Documentary Premieres

The Three Rivers Film Festival began its 2026 run on Wednesday night with the premiere of “Louder Than the Odds: The Mr. Smalls Story.” The documentary, which runs 90 minutes, opens the festival that continues through Nov. 15 across multiple regional venues and online platforms.

The film focuses on Mike Speranzo and Liz Berlin, the husband and wife team that owns Mr. Smalls Theatre in Millvale. The venue has operated for nearly 25 years and functions as both a performance space and a recording studio. The documentary traces the couple’s history, from their decision to purchase and renovate an old church to the thousands of shows the venue has hosted.

Production on the film began around 2008, nearly two decades before its release. Documentary filmmaker Evan Edelist approached Berlin after a Rusted Root show at the House of Blues in Los Angeles. Edelist told the audience at the post-screening Q&A that he was a fan of Berlin’s solo work and the band. The two discussed Berlin’s life in Pittsburgh and the venue, and decided to collaborate on the project during that initial meeting.

Berlin noted that the initial conversation felt personal to her. “He was a really big fan of Rusted Root, but also was a really big fan of me and my solo music, which I found very touching,” she said. By the end of their meeting, the couple had agreed to make the movie together.

Speranzo, who serves as assistant director and music supervisor on the film, was initially less enthusiastic. He joked during the Q&A that there is nothing like making an infomercial about one’s own life for a public audience. Edelist said he has watched the documentary approximately 1,000 times and has edited roughly 100 different versions. In 2024, Edelist sent a 115-minute cut to the couple. They have since heavily influenced the changes and additions that resulted in the final version.

“Michael and Liz have a story that can be told in 10 hours 100 different ways,” Edelist observed. The final film includes extensive interviews with Speranzo and Berlin, as well as their family, friends, and collaborators. It also features archival footage and video from performances at the venue.

Musicians who have played at Mr. Smalls appear in the film to discuss the space. Artists including Keller Williams and members of Leftover Salmon praise the venue’s intimate atmosphere and sound quality. The documentary also covers the hardships the owners have faced, including financial difficulties and the impact of the pandemic.

Speranzo and Berlin now own buildings on all four corners of the intersection of Lincoln and Butler in Millvale. Over the years, they have managed various community projects in addition to the theatre, including a skate park and the We Rock Workshop. The film documents how these initiatives have supported the local area.

During the Q&A, the couple discussed their favorite shows. Berlin cited Muse, while Speranzo named Snoop Dogg and Broken Social Scene. When asked for advice for others starting community-invested businesses, Speranzo said, “Make sure you know who your partners are and love them.”

Speranzo closed the event by encouraging the audience to pursue their goals. “I hope all of you guys can find your dreams and work to them, because our community needs it. We need dreamers that make dreams come true,” he said. He added, “I challenge all of you to be brave tomorrow and do things for your community and for the people that you love around you.” No additional screenings of the film have been confirmed yet.