The Gambia is set to play a significant role in a deeply poignant documentary film titled ‘Aldeas,’ a project that will not only honor the educational vision of the late Pope Francis but also serve as a historical record of his final, in-depth on-camera interview.
According to Polish philanthropist Robert Szustkowski, a key partner and facilitator for Gambia’s involvement, the documentary will showcase the vibrant participation of young Gambians in the ‘Aldeas’ program. These young individuals will be actively engaged in creating short films, offering a unique perspective from the West African nation.
Szustkowski, who is also the initiator and donor behind a pilot project promoting physical health in The Gambia – an initiative personally endorsed by Pope Francis earlier this year – expressed his deep appreciation for this opportunity. “I deeply appreciate this opportunity and remain fully committed to the vision of a world that respects the dignity, rights, and freedom of individuals while unlocking the potential of young talent,” he emphasized.
Furthermore, Szustkowski is an ambassador for the 5P Europe Foundation, an organization whose core principles – People, Planet, Partnership, Peace, and Prosperity – resonate with the collaborative spirit of the ‘Aldeas’ project. The foundation believes these values are universally shared and aims to harness them to drive positive global change, enriching local communities and fostering a sustainable future.
Pope Francis’s profound legacy: A final on-screen testament
‘Aldeas’ is being produced in part by Aldeas Scholas Films, the film production arm of Scholas Occurrentes, the Pope’s international non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth worldwide. Before his passing earlier this month at the age of 88, Pope Francis himself spoke warmly of the film and the ‘Aldeas’ program. He described it as “an extremely poetic and very constructive project because it goes to the roots of what human life is, human sociability, human conflicts… the essence of a life’s journey.”
Adding significant weight to the project is the involvement of acclaimed American filmmaker Martin Charles Scorsese, who serves as the film’s producer. The documentary will weave together conversations between Pope Francis and Scorsese, including what the filmmakers have confirmed to be the Pope’s final, comprehensive on-camera interview for a film.
Scorsese, who had met with Pope Francis numerous times over the years, often finding their discussions influential in his own cinematic work, remembered the late pontiff as “in every way, a remarkable human being.” Following Pope Francis’s death on April 21st, Scorsese reflected on his wisdom, goodness, and unwavering commitment to the good, emphasizing his belief in the power of learning and forgiveness. “The loss for me runs deep – I was lucky enough to know him, and I will miss his presence and his warmth,” Scorsese stated. “The loss for the world is immense. But he left a light behind, and it can never be extinguished.”
‘Culture of encounter’ through the lens of youth
‘Aldeas’ will delve into the impactful work of Scholas Occurrentes, the non-profit founded by Pope Francis in 2013 to foster a “Culture of Encounter” among young people across the globe. The film, born from authenticity and creativity, aims to build bridges of understanding between diverse cultures. Alongside The Gambia, Indonesia and Italy are also participating countries, with the short films created there eventually premiering in newly established local cinemas, serving as lasting hubs for cultural expression and education.
Martin Scorsese, in an official statement, underscored the vital importance of intercultural dialogue. “Now, more than ever, we must speak with one another and listen across cultural borders,” he said. “One of the best ways to do that is by sharing stories about who we are—stories rooted in our lives and experiences. It helps us understand and appreciate how each of us sees the world.”
Scorsese further emphasized Pope Francis’s belief in the power of cinema as a medium for respectful exchange and the preservation of cultural identity. The documentary, and the cinema program it chronicles, will showcase the making of several short films that reflect the Pope’s deep passion for community building and his conviction that creativity is not just a means of expression but “a path to hope and transformation.”
Through hands-on workshops, communities from around the world will create scripted short films that celebrate their unique identities, histories, and values. The behind-the-scenes stories of these productions will be interwoven with the poignant and insightful conversations between Pope Francis and Martin Scorsese.
In The Gambia, where youth actively participate in communal activities, playing a crucial role in preserving and perpetuating cultural traditions, the film promises to offer a rich and compelling glimpse into the nation’s heritage. ‘Aldeas’ is poised to be more than just a documentary; it will be a testament to Pope Francis’s enduring vision and a vibrant showcase of global youth, with The Gambia proudly contributing its unique voice and perspective to this significant cinematic endeavor.
ABJ/APA