Martin Scorsese to produce a documentary on Pope Francis

The documentary titled “Aldeas – A New Story,” will feature the late pontiff’s last on-camera interview.

New Delhi

Martin Scorsese will produce “Aldeas – A New Story,” a feature-length documentary in honor of the late Pope Francis. It will feature the pontiff’s last on-camera interview.

The project is a collaborative production involving Aldeas Scholas Films, the cinematic arm of Scholas Occurrentes, an international non-profit organization founded by Pope Francis in 2013. Through various programs it seeks to transform education and promote social inclusion.

‘Aldeas’ is a cinema initiative focusing on community building through creativity

The documentary is about a cinema program called Aldeas. It explores the intersection of cinema, education, and community development, highlighting the late Pope’s vision for film as a catalyst for societal transformation. He believed that cinema is “not only a means of expression but a path to hope and transformation”. 

The religious leader had referred to Aldeas as a poetic and constructive project.

“‘Aldeas’ is an extremely poetic and very constructive project because it goes to the roots of what human life is, human sociability, human conflicts… the essence of a life’s journey.”

Scorsese added, “Now, more than ever, we need to talk to each other, listen to one another cross-culturally. One of the best ways to accomplish this is by sharing the stories of who we are, reflected from our personal lives and experiences.”

“It helps us understand and value how each of us sees the world. It was important to Pope Francis for people across the globe to exchange ideas with respect while also preserving their cultural identity, and cinema is the best medium to do that,” the filmmaker stated.

Indonesia, Gambia, and Italy are among the first countries partcipating in the project. The short films made there will eventually premiere in newly established local cinemas, “serving as lasting hubs for cultural expression and education.”

A release date for the documentary has not been announced yet.

According to the Vatican, cardinals have selected May 7 as the commencement date for the conclave. 135 cardinals will participate in the election of a new leader to guide the global Catholic community, comprising approximately 1.4 billion followers.

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