Exclusive: Martin Scorsese’s Documentary Showcases Pope’s Final On-Camera Interview | CNN

Renowned filmmaker Martin Scorsese is collaborating on a new documentary featuring the late Pope Francis and his final on-screen interview. Titled “Aldeas – A New Story,” this film is a joint effort with Aldeas Scholas Films, a part of Pope Francis’ Scholas Occurrentes organization. Founded in 2013, this non-profit focuses on youth and creative engagement worldwide.

The documentary highlights a cinema program called Aldeas, showcasing the making of short films that reflect Pope Francis’ passion for community and creativity. These films are meant to inspire hope and transformation, emphasizing that creativity can be a powerful tool for personal and communal expression.

Participants around the globe will take part in hands-on workshops, crafting films that celebrate their unique stories and cultures. The documentary will blend these behind-the-scenes experiences with previously unseen conversations between Scorsese and Pope Francis. This approach not only reveals the filmmaking process but also highlights the Pope’s views on human connection and storytelling.

Before his passing earlier this month at 88, Pope Francis expressed his belief in the project, calling it “poetic and constructive.” He emphasized the importance of addressing human life, relationships, and conflicts. Scorsese echoed this sentiment, stressing how storytelling can foster cross-cultural understanding and dialogue. “Cinema is the best medium for exchanging ideas while respecting cultural identities,” he noted.

Aldeas Scholas Films aims to bring to life core messages from Pope Francis’ papacy, particularly regarding outreach and unity in these divided times. Countries like Indonesia, The Gambia, and Italy are participating, with plans for local cinema premieres of the completed films. These cinemas will serve as cultural hubs for expression and education.

While a release date hasn’t been set yet, the film is generating significant interest. Following Pope Francis’s funeral, attended by thousands, discussions about his successor are already underway, with a conclave set to begin on May 7 to elect a new leader for the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.

This documentary is more than just a film; it represents a vision for a more connected world. In a time when divisions seem stark, “Aldeas – A New Story” highlights the crucial need for understanding and empathy through art. For more on this initiative, you can read more from trusted sources like CNN and the Vatican announcements.

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