Martin Scorsese to produce a documentary on Pope Francis titled ‘Aldeas — A New Story’-OxBig News Network

Pope Francis meets with director Martin Scorsese at the Vatican, January 31, 2024.
| Photo Credit: Reuters

Director Martin Scorsese is producing a documentary featuring the late Pope Francis. Aldeas—A New Story is said to document the religious leader’s use of cinema in the global educational movement he founded before his death.

The documentary will feature conversations between the director and the late pontiff and will explore the work of Scholas Occurrentes, a non-profit, international organization founded by the Pope in 2013 to promote the “Culture of Encounter” among youth

This image, released by Aldeas Scholas Films, shows Pope Francis.
| Photo Credit:
AP

According to reports in the Associated Press, the documentary will show young people in Indonesia, Gambia and Italy participating in the Aldeas program and making short films. 

Announcing the project, Scorsese’s Sikelia Productions and Aldeas Scholas Film said the documentary is “a testament to the enduring belief that creativity is not only a means of expression but a path to hope and transformation.”

“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,” Scorsese said. The release date for the documentary is yet to be announced.

His last directorial, Killers of the Flower Moon, featuring Leonardo DiCaprio and Lily Gladstone, was critically acclaimed and nominated in 10 categories at the Academy Awards.

The conclave to elect a new pope is scheduled to begin on May 7.