Twenty years after his death, the story of Carlo Acutis, known as the saint of the Internet, returns to the spotlight with a documentary that will be screened in Italian cinemas from October 15 to 21. The film, titled Carlo Acutis: The Young Saint, was directed by Luca Salmaso and produced by Officina della Comunicazione, Nexo Studios, and OUR FILMS. The movie opens the exhibition “I Misteri della Fede” and aims to present the young man beyond the icon, showing his daily life, his family, and his relationship with technology.
The documentary draws on previously unseen materials, such as photographs, private videos, and images from the canonization ceremony held on September 7, 2025, in St. Peter’s Square, Rome. Among the testimonies that piece together his story are those of his parents, Antonia Salzano and Andrea Acutis, as well as his grandmother, friends, teachers, priests, and the doctor who accompanied him in his final days. Also participating is Valeria Vargas Valverde, the young Costa Rican woman linked to the miracle recognized during the canonization process. The original music is by Remo Anzovino.
At the heart of the narrative is the contrast between spirituality and modernity. Carlo did not shy away from technology; he used it. The Internet, programming, and video games coexisted with a radical faith and a search for the essential. At fifteen, he loved video games, created websites, and spoke about faith in a language far removed from the traditional image of a saint. This closeness to the digital world earned him the nickname of the first saint of the digital age, although the film seeks to show the young man before he became a symbol.
The production visits significant places, from Rome to Assisi, where his figure still attracts pilgrims from around the world. The film not only focuses on his technological side but also on his daily life, personal relationships, and Christian witness. The intention is to offer a comprehensive view that allows us to understand how an ordinary young man, with interests typical of his age, lived a deep faith and left a lasting legacy.
Context and Relevance
The canonization of Carlo Acutis, celebrated in 2025, marked a milestone in the Catholic Church by officially recognizing his sainthood. The documentary premieres at a time when his figure continues to inspire young people and adults, especially for his ability to integrate faith with digital tools. The film is not only a tribute but also an opportunity to reflect on how holiness can be expressed in the contemporary world.
The initiative to bring his story to the cinema responds to the interest in spreading his testimony beyond ecclesiastical circles. By including testimonies from those close to him and previously unseen audiovisual material, the documentary offers a human and intimate perspective. Remo Anzovino’s music accompanies the images, creating an atmosphere that seeks to connect with the viewer. The exhibition “I Misteri della Fede,” which this production inaugurates, suggests a cycle dedicated to exploring aspects of faith through cinematic art.
The figure of Carlo Acutis, who died at the age of fifteen, remains a reference for those seeking to live their faith in the digital age. His story, now brought to the cinema, invites us to rediscover that holiness is not at odds with modernity but can manifest in daily life, in the use of technology, and in love for God and neighbor. The documentary presents itself as a window into that reality, with the hope that his message reaches new generations.
Original source: www.affaritaliani.it (published on September 3, 2026)
