Flowers of St. Francis fundraiser for Pasadena Humane
In sequel to last fall’s showing of Pasolini’s The Gospel According to St. Matthew, we are thrilled to share a second screening of Roberto Rossellini’s The Flowers of St. Francis, co-written by Federico Fellini.
Produced in 1950 to commemorate the year of Jubilee (which we are also in this year of 2025), this episodic film is based on stories found in a 14th century Italian text, Little Flowers of Francis of Assisi. Starring a cast of friars from the Nocere Inferiore Franciscan monastery in Rome in lieu of professional actors, it is a classic example of the neorealism style for which Rossellini is best-known.
The particularities of the script and style achieve a curious film, described well by Martin Scorsese as… “ a beauty and a joy [to watch]; humble, sweet, funny… disturbing in a good way; because Francis as a person; what he believes and how he deals with nature; his goodness as a character in the story, is a challenge to us; if he’s capable of it we are also capable of it”.
We warmly invite you to be inspired by the testimony of St. Francis through the art of Rossellini and Fellini, discuss and take action!
Pasta, drinks and refreshments will provided. The event is open registration through the link provided with a requested donation directly to the Pasadena Humane Society, a charity caring for injured and displaced pet animals in the ongoing California wildfires.
The film will be shown in the original Italian with English subtitles and runs 87 minutes. The film may not be suitable for all audiences because limited depictions of violence consistent with the 14th century account of St. Francis. Following a brief entry reception, the film will begin at 7:00pm. Post-film discussion will be led by our esteemed guest Professor Stefano Albertini of NYU and our revered Fathers Luigi Portarulo and Daniel Ray.
Link to register: https://lu.ma/vbdftiq3