Aldeas: A New Story

Aldeas: A New Story brings together Pope Francis' final long-form interviews, archival footage, and the ongoing work of Scholas Occurrentes, the education network that uses cinema to connect communities. The film alternates intimate conversations with the Pope and on-the-ground scenes of students, teachers, and filmmakers collaborating on short films. You see planning sessions, classroom workshops, and community screenings, with participants reflecting on values, creativity, and responsibility. Rather than hiding production work, the documentary shows how ideas move from discussion to screen, and how storytelling becomes a tool for learning and social connection, while keeping the specifics of outcomes private.

Directed by Clare Tavernor, Johnny Shipley, and Martin Scorsese, the film was created in collaboration with Scholas Occurrentes, blending contemporary documentary footage with archival material from the Vatican and community projects.

At the time of writing the film has not been widely recognized in major award circuits, and there are no confirmed Oscar or Golden Globe nominations to report.

Because it links a globally known religious figure with a celebrated filmmaker and a youth education initiative, the film has prompted conversations about how institutions can use art to engage citizens, especially young people. The presence of archive footage of Pope Francis and Scorsese's involvement give the project visibility beyond typical community-centered documentaries.

Critical and audience response remains limited, with minimal public ratings so far. Thematically the film focuses on education, legacy, civic engagement, and the responsibilities that come with storytelling. It asks practical questions about how film can teach ethical awareness and build local ties, emphasizing process and collaboration over spectacle.