Check Out Alabama Backdrops From ‘About My Father’ At These Filming Locations

Since its May 2023 release, “About My Father” has made a name for itself in modern comedy – thanks in large part to Sebastian Maniscalco’s dry humor and Robert De Niro‘s commanding presence. The Lionsgate film boasts an impressive lineup including the likes of Kim Cattrall, Leslie Bibb, Anders Holm and David Rasche.

“About My Father” follows Sebastian (Maniscalco), who invites his old school Italian father to meet his fiancée’s American family. As the weekend unfolds, clashes over class, culture and values turn into both chaos and connection in a display that’s as awkward as it is heartwarming. Many viewers, while enchanted by the performances and punchlines, have wondered exactly where the movie’s filming locations are. Here’s what we know.

Where Was ‘About My Father’ Filmed?

The majority of “About My Father” was filmed in a single region. As IMDb reports, the movie was shot in Alabama – specifically in and around Mobile. This area, plus the neighboring Baldwin County, is where filming began in 2021, per The Cinemaholic. Alabama was chosen for both practical and creative reasons. The state’s Gulf Coast offered a blend of suburban sophistication and coastal beauty, which suited the tone of “About My Father” perfectly.

If fans look closely, they may even recognize some local landmarks. Per NBC 15, the Jimmy Morris Pavilion at Langan Park and a real beauty salon, Divine Designs on Airport Boulevard, are just a few spots that appear on-screen. Beyond that, the “About My Father” team ventured into Baldwin County, where they shot at Steelwood Country Club in Loxley. This filming location stood in for some upscale family gatherings.

Overall, local support for the movie played a huge role in its successful completion. The Mobile Film Office helped to coordinate site scouting, permits and logistics for cast and crew, per Fox 10 TV. This helped to highlight the local film community and the versatile beauty of Alabama.

Your Guide To Exploring Mobile, Alabama

Key Scenes: “We filmed at the Country Club of Mobile, Dog River Marina, in Midtown at a couple different homes and then we filmed over at Steelwood Country Club across the bay. We were just bouncing all over,” location scout Kyle Bucher shared with Fox 10 TV.

Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit this area of Alabama is generally considered to be around spring, when the weather is more moderate. Travelers can expect occasional rain but mostly sunny skies.

Transportation Options: Although Mobile, Alabama, is not a huge tourist destination, there are some simple ways to get around. The Wave Transit System buses are Mobile’s public bus system, offering fixed routes. Then there is Mo ride share services, which the local Mobile Chamber launched. Visitors can request both free and low-cost rides to local destinations through an app. 

Want to turn your trip into a self-guided tour? Downtown Mobile is quite walkable, so many of the filming locations are easy to reach. As Fox 10 TV reports, the local film community is hopeful that the success of “About My Father” will lead to more productions setting up shop in the area.

As Mobile Film Office Director Tommy Fell told the outlet, “Getting productions like this in town is not gonna benefit just the film operating crews – but also the community at large. So hotels, restaurants, everybody benefits down the line from big productions like this.” Other movies that have utilized the area’s beauty to tell their stories include Gerald’s Game, Raw Nerve and Vice.

Things to Do: Mobile, Alabama, has a rich history and distinct cultural footprint, so visitors can explore many aspects of that during their trip. The History Museum of Mobile and Mobile Museum of Art are two popular cultural centers that are just a 20 minute drive away from each other.  

Where to Eat: Travelers can enjoy a nice bite of southern cuisine while in the area, since there are many popular and affordable options around. Wintzell’s Oyster House and Squid Ink Eclectic Eats and Drinks are two options that are known for their chill ambiance and delectable food. 

Where to Stay: The Holiday Inn Mobile-Dwtn/Hist. District by IHG is a relatively affordable option that is centrally located and cozy. Then there is the pricier and eclectic Fort Condé Inn, which is surrounded by southern restaurants, pubs and a nice square. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is “About My Father” based on a true story?

“About My Father” is not a literal retelling of real events. It’s a fictional story, though inspired by Sebastian Maniscalco’s life and his relationship with his father. As he shared with The Wrap, “My relationship with my father’s pretty accurate. My father’s, you know, stubborn, hardheaded, judgmental, you know, that seems to be true to form, not in a ‘curse that man’ way, but an ‘I love the old guy’ way.”

Did Kim Cattrall cut her hair for “About My Father”?

Although this iconic haircut scene between De Niro and Cattrall’s characters felt incredibly real, Cattrall did not really lose any inches for it. As she shared with Looper, “We had a terrific hair department. I was measured for a wig, and I came on set, and they had cut it in a very particular way.” 

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