Roberto Benigni Presents Documentary about the Life of Saint Peter in Fremantle

Oscar-winning actor Roberto Benigni is set to present a new documentary from Fremantle, created in collaboration with the Vatican, exploring the life of Saint Peter. The documentary, titled The Life of St Peter, is scheduled to premiere next week on Italian network Rai and is produced by Fremantles Stand By Me label.

Filmed on-site in both Rome and the Vatican during the Jubilee year, the project provides Benigni with rare access to significant religious and historical locations, including St. Peters Dome, the Basilica, the Vatican Necropolis, its grottos, and gardens. The documentary also delves into Saint Peters enduring influence on faith, art, and culture.

Benigni, renowned for his Academy Award-winning performance in Life is Beautiful, which he also wrote and directed, brings his signature passion to the project. Notably, he was the first actor to win the Best Actor Oscar for a role in a non-English language film. Pope Leo recently cited Life is Beautiful as one of his four favorite films, and Benigni has frequently attended Mass at the Vatican.

Benigni reflected on his connection to Saint Peter, stating, While I was preparing this work about Peter, I fell in love. Reading his story, I thought: Thats me! I would have acted the same. Peters humanity is ourshe experiences anger, joy, mistakes, and sorrow, and he was entrusted with the monumental task of opening or closing the gates of Heaven.

Stand By Me continues to focus on Vatican-themed content, currently producing another series for the BBC titled Secrets of the Conclave.

Author: Ethan Caldwell