On October 8, the documentary Recen por mí: la historia de Francisco arrives in theaters, a feature film that reviews the life of Jorge Bergoglio from his early years in Buenos Aires to his time leading the Vatican. The distributor A Contracorriente Films has scheduled the release close to the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the saint who inspired the name chosen by Bergoglio upon becoming pontiff.
The coincidence is no accident: the film seeks to connect precisely with the values of simplicity, humility, and service to the poor that characterized both the saint of Assisi and the figure the documentary portrays. It is a release that arrives at a time when the life and legacy of Francis continue to generate interest among audiences of different profiles, beyond the strictly religious sphere.
A journey through the life of Bergoglio
Directed by Facundo Bartucci, the documentary combines previously unseen archival footage, testimonies, and little-known episodes of Bergoglio's career. The proposal is not limited to narrating his role as a spiritual leader, but emphasizes the moments that marked his social and humanitarian commitment.
According to the synopsis released by the production company, the film reveals a figure deeply linked to the causes of the poor, the marginalized, and the forgotten, from his youth in Argentina to his projection as a global reference. The material also includes his own testimony, which allows for a more intimate portrait of his thoughts and convictions.
A story designed for broad audiences
Those responsible for the project have insisted that the film seeks to transcend the religious sphere. The intention is to offer an accessible story about leadership, recent history, and the trajectory of one of the most influential contemporary personalities internationally, regardless of the viewer's beliefs.
Who is Facundo Bartucci, the director of the documentary
Facundo Bartucci is an Argentine director and producer who marks his first feature-length documentary with this work. Trained in Production at the New York Film Academy (NYFA), he had already taken his first steps in fiction in 2024 with the short film Ofelia.
In this new production, Bartucci focuses on the more human dimension of Bergoglio, exploring the ideals he defended from a young age and how he put them into practice throughout his life. His approach combines historical research with a sober look at profound personal and social processes.
The director himself has explained the reasons that led him to embark on this project. "In the midst of a world in crisis, it seemed necessary to look back at those figures who not only speak of values, but embody them," stated Bartucci, who added that his intention was "to portray him not as a figure of power, but as a man committed to accompanying and giving a voice to those who are never heard."
What to expect in the theater
The documentary relies on exclusive archival material to reconstruct key stages of Bergoglio's biography, from his origins in Buenos Aires to his international projection. The visual proposal combines these historical records with testimonies that help contextualize his life journey.
Beyond the informative or historical interest, the film is presented as an opportunity to approach the trajectory of a figure who, according to those responsible, continues to generate debate and reflection in different areas of today's society.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Recen por mí: la historia de Francisco premiere?
The documentary arrives in theaters on October 8, distributed by A Contracorriente Films.
Who directs the documentary?
The direction is by Facundo Bartucci, an Argentine director and producer, in what is his first feature-length documentary.
What is the film about?
It narrates the life of Jorge Bergoglio from his youth in Buenos Aires to his time as a religious leader in the Vatican, with special attention to his social and humanitarian work.
Why is it being released near October 4?
The release date is close to the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the saint who inspired Bergoglio to choose his pontifical name, for his message of humility and service to those most in need.
What type of material does the documentary use?
It combines previously unseen archival footage, testimonies, and little-known episodes of Bergoglio's trajectory, in addition to his own personal testimony.
Is this Facundo Bartucci’s first work?
It is his first feature-length documentary. He had previously directed the short film Ofelia, released in 2024, after training in Production at the New York Film Academy.
