Martin Scorsese’s daughter directs her first project for Fox Nation

Francesca Scorsese Makes Directorial Debut

Francesca Scorsese is stepping into her father’s illustrious shoes as she makes her directorial debut on Fox Nation with an episode of “Martin Scorsese Presents: The Saints.” The series aims to spotlight historical figures who significantly influenced Christianity globally, starting with St. Patrick on November 16.

This episode, which will feature St. Charles Acutis—a recently canonized young boy often called the “Divine Influencer”—will serve as the season’s finale, airing in December. Audiences can look forward to more episodes next Easter.

During a discussion at the Whitby Hotel, Francesca shared that her upbringing played a crucial role in shaping her storytelling passion. She talked about how her father’s faith and the Bible stories he read to her at bedtime inspired her to tell such a meaningful narrative.

Reflecting on her experiences, she stated, “I was raised a Christian, baptized, confirmed, and I did pray every night when I was younger.” She noted her father would read the Bible to her—”like a bedtime story,” which left a lasting impression.

Interestingly, her father, Martin Scorsese, chimed in to clarify that these Bibles were for children, and Francesca, in her typical curious manner, began asking him questions that even he couldn’t answer. The upcoming episode revolves around Carlo Acutis, born in 1991 and who sadly passed away in 2006. He used digital media to share his faith and courageously dealt with leukemia.

Francesca, not just a budding director but also a social media influencer with a substantial TikTok following, expressed how Acutis’s innovative use of technology fueled her drive to tell his story. She noted, “It’s fascinating how he harnessed social media for good, even though it can often feel dark.” Ultimately, she found it beautiful how he inspired others through his online presence.

Filming in Rome posed its challenges, and Francesca admitted it was “a little scary” working with her iconic father. “It felt like homework that I had to turn in each day for feedback,” she recalled. With preparation and storyboarding, she found it rewarding to see the final product come to life.

When it came time to show the episode to her father, Francesca felt nervous, especially as he watched from the sidelines. “I kept glancing back at him in the shadows; it was nerve-wracking,” she admitted. But ultimately, her father’s approval added a level of satisfaction to her efforts.

Martin Scorsese, sharing his thoughts on the screening experience, acknowledged that it can be quite stressful. Fortunately, he was pleased with Francesca’s episode, noting the meditative quality and spiritual pacing, particularly toward the end.

Earlier this year, Fox News Media’s Jason Claman highlighted the audience’s strong desire for more of Scorsese’s work, leading to a second season. “We’re thrilled to have Mr. Scorsese return for another season,” he remarked.