Today we announce a new documentary from Stand By Me productions (a Fremantle company), presented by internationally beloved Oscar-winner Roberto Benigni, that examines the life and legacy of Saint Peter: one of the most influential figures in Christian history.
The Life Of St Peter is made in partnership with the Vatican during the Jubilee year and filmed on location in the Vatican and Rome. With rare access to key religious and archaeological sites, Benigni visits St. Peter’s Dome, the Basilica itself, The Vatican Necropolis and its grottos and gardens. Guided by the Academy Award-winning actor, screenwriter and director, audiences are treated to Benigni’s unmistakable storytelling charm.
Launching on 10 December in Italy and airing on Rai 1 as a feature-length primetime television event, The Life of St. Peter is narrated from the heart of Vatican City - the very place where Saint Peter was crucified. The documentary highlights Peter’s role in shaping the early Church and his enduring symbolic status as the first Pope, exploring his transformation from impulsive fisherman to the spiritual rock upon which the Church was built.
Spanning faith, arts and culture, the documentary showcases stunning artworks and architecture from Rome and the Vatican, taking viewers on a mesmerising visual journey and a moving tribute to one of Christianity’s most enduring figures.
Roberto Benigni said of the project: “While I was preparing this work about Peter, I fell in love… I completely fell in love with Peter. As I was reading his story I kept thinking: ‘But that’s me! I would have done the same!’. How fond I’ve grown of him, because Peter is just like us and resembles us so deeply. His humanity is the humanity of us all: he gets angry, acts on impulse, makes mistakes, misunderstands, cries, laughs, falls asleep, suffers, rejoices, and lets himself be moved - just like we do! He was given the greatest task ever entrusted to a human being, to open or close the gates of Heaven. Incredible!”
The Life of St. Peter will air 10 December on Rai 1 in Italy. Fremantle is handling international sales (also available as a 3x45’ series).
