
Leo emphasized that making a movie is a team effort, where everyone relies on each other. While directors and actors often get the spotlight, he pointed out that hundreds of behind-the-scenes professionals – including assistants, prop managers, electricians, sound engineers, makeup artists, and many others – are essential to a film’s success. It was particularly noteworthy to hear this acknowledgement, especially coming from the Vatican. Leo’s comments arrived during a tense time in Italy, where the current right-wing government is clashing with the film industry, which it views as leaning politically left. The government is trying to significantly reduce funding for films, a move many see as part of a broader effort to diminish Italy’s progressive arts scene. These cuts would disproportionately impact the very same behind-the-scenes workers Leo highlighted.