Francesca Scorsese on Working with Dad Martin Scorsese on Saints

Francesca Scorsese recently directed an episode for her father’s Fox Nation series “Martin Scorsese Presents: The Saints” about Saint Carlo Acutis. Acutis, a devout Catholic who promoted the religion on the internet, was canonized as the first millennial saint in 2015 after passing away from leukemia at the young age of 15 in 2006.

Francesca faced a difficult decision while filming the episode – whether or not to film Acutis’ preserved body, entombed in a glass coffin in Assisi, Italy. Reflecting on the experience, she expressed discomfort at the sight of the perfectly preserved young boy, clad in a tracksuit and sneakers. Ultimately, she decided to use minimal stock footage of his body to preserve the sanctity of the space.

Growing up in a religious household, Francesca had her communion and confirmation, attended church regularly, and prayed nightly. However, her faith wavered during her teenage years, particularly as she witnessed her mother’s battle with Parkinson’s disease. She questioned why bad things happened to good people, leading her to drift away from her beliefs.

Despite her personal struggles with faith, Francesca has made a name for herself as a director and actress. She has directed three shorts, appeared in HBO’s “We Are Who We Are,” and collaborated with her father on viral TikTok videos. While directing the “Saints” episode, she received positive feedback from her father, who also serves as an executive producer and narrator for the series.

Acknowledging her privilege as a “nepo-baby,” Francesca recognizes that her opportunity to direct the episode came through her father’s involvement. She is grateful for the chance to work on the project and is committed to doing her best. Despite initial hesitation about working on a Fox Nation project due to political associations, she appreciates the platform’s support for bringing the episode to life.

Looking ahead, Francesca is set to direct “Adults,” a dark comedy short based on her mother’s childhood in Paris. As the Scorsese family prepares for the holidays, they plan to spend Christmas Eve at home with family and New Year’s Eve watching movies and fireworks at Martin Scorsese’s office.

In conclusion, Francesca Scorsese’s journey as a director and actress showcases her talent and determination in the entertainment industry. Through her work on “The Saints” episode and upcoming projects, she continues to carve out her own path while honoring her family’s legacy in filmmaking.