Veteran filmmaker Abel Ferrara chatted about his new movie “Padre Pio,” which stars Shia LaBeouf.
“Padre Pio” was directed by Ferrara, and written by Maurizio Braucci and Ferrara. Gravitas Ventures will release the film on June 2, 2023.
Ferrara is known for the provocative and often controversial content in his film, and his use and redefinition of neo-noir imagery.
“Working with Braucci was great,” he said “I’ve worked with him before, he is like Shia, he is all in, and they bring so much to the plate. Making movies is such a collaborative effort, especially when you are with people that you have a spiritual connection to. Maurizio has written a bunch of things.”
The synopsis is : World War II has ended but events surrounding the first free election in Italy threaten to tear the village apart. Padre Pio (Shia LaBeouf) struggles with his own personal demons, ultimately emerging to become one of Catholicism’s most venerated figures.
“Shooting ‘Padre Pio’ was great, so wonderful,” he said. “I hope the fans go and see it on June 2.”
Working with Shia LaBeouf
He opened up about working with Shia LaBeouf in the title role. “I liked Pio’s dedication and compassion. We took him at a young age in the movie, so the character in the movie is questioning and he is tempted by the devil. He has yet to find his calling and his true connection to Christ. I like that part of him. I like the fact that he is real.”
“Shia is special, he took the ball and he ran with it. He was going through a very similar life journey, and he was just converted to Catholicism. He learned how to do the mass in Latin, and he learned how to do the spiritual journey of it.”
The digital age
On being a filmmaker in the digital age, now with streaming and technology being so prevalent, he said, “It’s all the same for me. We are all telling stories, and that’s not changing.”
Motivations as a filmmaker
Regarding his daily motivations, he shared, “I am lucky to be alive and I am happy to be alive. I am expressive myself, that’s what makes me human. It’s the human touch, the connection to other people to learn to express and gather knowledge.”
Advice for young and aspiring filmmakers
For young and aspiring artists and filmmakers, Ferrara encouraged them to “follow their dreams.”
Future plans
On his plans for the future, he said, “To keep doing what I’m doing. I am taking things a day at a time.”
Success
Regarding his definition of the word success, he said, “Having a clear conscience. Making a life one breath at a time.”
To learn more about filmmaker Abel Ferrara, check out his IMDb page.