Cinema and Saint Francis

On Saturday, 16 May 2026, the Sala della Musica at the Franco Zeffirelli Foundation will host the conference Saint Francis in Zeffirelli’s Cinema, the first event in the programme promoted by Acec Toscana for the eighth centenary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi, with the support of the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze.

 

The initiative offers a reflection on the way Franco Zeffirelli portrayed the figure of Saint Francis through cinema, with particular attention to Fratello Sole, Sorella Luna.

 

The conference at the Sala della Musica

The morning session will begin at 10 a.m. with an introduction by Vito Rosso and welcome remarks by Caterina D’Amico, Monsignor Gherardo Gambelli and representatives of the institutions.

 

The programme includes talks by Andrea Sani, who will explore the creative origins of Fratello Sole, Sorella Luna, and Marco Vanelli, who will discuss the different versions of Zeffirelli’s Franciscan film.

 

During the morning, moderated by Andrea Fagioli, the documentary Zeffirelli racconta Giotto by Luciano Emmer will also be screened.

 

A rare historic screening

A highlight of the conference will be the presentation of the very first film ever made about Saint Francis: Il poverello di Assisi by Enrico Guazzoni, starring Emilio Ghione.

 

The screening, made possible thanks to the Filmoteca Vaticana, offers a rare opportunity to rediscover one of the earliest cinematic works dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi.

 

Related initiatives

On the afternoon of 16 May, the programme will continue at the Teatro Le Laudi with a public screening marathon, including both the Italian and English versions of Fratello Sole, Sorella Luna.

 

The initiative is part of a wider programme promoted by Acec Toscana, which over the coming months will include further conferences, screenings, school activities and a publication dedicated to films about Saint Francis.

 

Programme

Saint Francis in Zeffirelli’s Cinema

 

Saturday, 16 May 2026 – 10 a.m.
Sala della Musica – Zeffirelli Foundation
Piazza San Firenze 5, Florence

 

Introduction

Vito Rosso, Regional President of Acec Toscana

 

Welcome remarks

Caterina D’Amico
Monsignor Gherardo Gambelli
Institutional greetings from Regione Toscana, Comune di Firenze and Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze

 

Special screening

Il poverello di Assisi (1911) by Enrico Guazzoni

 

Talks

Andrea Sani
Marco Vanelli

 

Moderator

Andrea Fagioli

 

Following the conference

For conference participants, optional visit to the Zeffirelli Museum at the special reduced price of €10.

 

Information

Free admission subject to availability

Franco Zeffirelli Foundation
Piazza San Firenze 5, Florence

 

Event poster:

Download the poster