The Vatican seeks to make history at the Oscars with the documentary Green Lava
The Holy See is preparing for an unprecedented milestone in the film industry. For the first time in its 97-year history, the Vatican seeks to compete at the Academy Awards with the documentary Green Lava, a 39-minute piece directed by Lia Beltrami and Ali Aksu that aspires to a nomination in the Best Documentary Short Subject category.
The project, which is produced by Emotions to Generate Change in collaboration with the official Vatican media, will have a key exhibition at the Lumiere Music Hall in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, between September 18 and 24. This step is essential to meet the technical requirements demanded by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences before formalizing its candidacy.
A story of resilience and faith
Green Lava narrates the inspiring life of Giacomo Mattivi, a young Italian man suffering from Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The plot delves into how Giacomo faces the challenges of his condition following the loss of his brother Mattia, who also faced the same disease. Set against the landscapes of the Dolomites, the documentary highlights the young man’s connection to his community and his spirituality, which led him to become a catechist.
The meeting with the Pope was, once again, very significant, although it was not the first time. I asked Pope Francis if I could send him more poems, and he responded affirmatively with a gesture of his hand. It was very moving to see that he remembered me.
Giacomo Mattivi, protagonist of the documentary.
The film also captures the emotional encounters between Giacomo and Pope Francis. These moments have been fundamental to the film’s narrative, which seeks to make personal overcoming in the face of adversity visible. Paolo Ruffini, Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication of the Vatican, has expressed his full support for the project, ensuring that Giacomo’s message is a story that deserves to be known by the whole world.
The process towards the statuette
- The documentary does not compete as an official representation of the Vatican State, as the short film category does not require government endorsement.
- After the screening in California, the team will complete the necessary documentation for the Academy’s evaluation.
- The official nominations for the next awards ceremony will be announced on January 21, 2025.
- The Oscar ceremony is scheduled to be held on March 14, 2027.
This strategic step marks a new era in the Holy See’s communication, using documentary film as a vehicle to spread testimonies of life and hope globally, while positioning itself in the most prestigious showcases of the seventh art.
