Martin Scorsese’s New Docudrama Series ‘The Saints’ and His Ongoing Exploration of Faith in Filmmaking

Martin Scorsese, the renowned film director, is set to premiere his new docudrama series, “Martin Scorsese Presents: The Saints,” on Fox Nation on November 17, 2024. This eight-part series is a culmination of an idea Scorsese has been pondering for decades, focusing on the lives of various saints including St. Joan of Arc, St. Francis of Assisi, St. John the Baptist, St. Thomas Becket, St. Mary Magdalene, St. Moses the Black, St. Sebastian, and St. Maximilian Kolbe[3].

Scorsese’s interest in this project stems from his upbringing near St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral in New York City, where he would often contemplate the stories of the saints. He aims to highlight that these saints were human beings with relatable aspects that can serve as good examples or inspirations for modern audiences. The series, produced by Matti Leshem and directed by Elizabeth Chomko, features historical footage and photos to provide vivid details and historical context for each saint’s story[3].

This project is part of Scorsese’s ongoing exploration of faith in his filmmaking. He has visited the Irish Dominican Order in Rome to research matters of faith for this series and other upcoming religious films. The production of “The Saints” took seven years to conceive and complete, reflecting Scorsese’s deep commitment to the subject matter[3].

In addition to “The Saints,” Scorsese has announced plans to make a film about the life of Jesus, further solidifying his interest in faith-based projects. At 82, Scorsese continues to be active in the film industry, with a career marked by influential works such as “Taxi Driver,” “Goodfellas,” “The Departed,” and his recent historical epic “Killers of the Flower Moon”[2][3][5].

Scorsese’s faith life remains a significant part of his personal and professional journey. In a recent interview, he described his relationship with Catholicism as a dialogue with certain clerics and priests, indicating a continued exploration and reflection on his faith[3].