In the hushed nave of Santa Croce, New York filmmaker Abel Ferrara stood before a modest audience and read passages that portray the anguish of Saint Francis of Assisi.
Ferrara, known for his gritty cinema, delivered the text in a measured tone, emphasizing the saint’s inner turmoil rather than his famed humility. The words he recited were drawn from a collection compiled by Italian poet Gabriele Tinti, intended for the upcoming multimedia project titled “Genius Loci.”
Attendees included local clergy, scholars of religious literature, and members of the cultural association that organized the event. After the reading, Tinti, who curated the anthology, explained that the project seeks to explore how physical places shape spiritual narratives. He said the selection highlights moments when Saint Francis confronted poverty, illness, and doubt.
Critics of the initiative note that Ferrara’s reputation for controversial subjects may clash with the reverent setting, but organizers argue the juxtaposition underscores the universal nature of suffering.
“Genius Loci” is slated for a broader launch later this year, featuring installations in several European churches. The Santa Croce reading marks the first public presentation of the work, suggesting a continued dialogue between contemporary art and historic faith traditions.