Kanbar Film & TV Faculty Invited to the Vatican

In November, Pope Leo XIV hosted a special Vatican audience of notable film and television industry professionals at The Vatican, an enclave within Rome, Italy. Pope Leo addressed his audience on the beauty and importance of films and the responsibility of those involved in the world of cinema. Among those invited to attend were NYU Tisch Grad Film Professor and Artistic Director Spike Lee and UGFTV Associate Professor Antonio Monda. Here, Associate Professor Monda shares a few words about his experience meeting the first American-born Pope.

“I had the great privilege and honor of being invited by Pope Leo XIV to the event on Saturday, November 15^th at the Vatican. The guests were 200, and among them Spike Lee, Cate Blanchett, Viggo Mortensen, Greta Gerwig, Judd Apatow, Chris Pine, Gus Van Sant, Stefania Sandrelli, Kenneth Lonergan, and Julie Taymor.”

“The Pontiff gave an extraordinary speech on the importance of cinema, and he was repeatedly interrupted by ovations, in particular when appealing to governments to assist the industry and theaters, and when underlining that cinema is a collective art, mentioning each crew member, from sound editors to make-up artists. At the end of the speech, he greeted every single participant of the event.“

“It was a truly emotional experience and, needless to say, the location in wonderful Sala Clementina left everyone speechless.”

Click the link below to learn more about the event and watch a short video clip of Professor Spike Lee explaining the significance of the number 14 on the custom New York Knicks jersey he gifted Pope Leo XIV.