TVREAL
With Pope Francis’s recent health scares rocking the Vatican, Rive Gauche Television’s In Their Own Words: Pope Francis is more timely than ever. The 60-minute documentary chronicles the life of Jorge Bergoglio, who was named the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church on March 13, 2013, at the age of 76. Taking the name Francis, he is the first Pope from the Americas, the first non-European since the eighth century and the first Jesuit priest to be named Pope. In Their Own Words delves deeper into his story, revealing the experiences and influences in his life that led him to the highest office in the Catholic Church.
“Using a combination of interview, archive and animated content, the story of Pope Francis is told as an intimate journey into his life and mind, told from his own perspective and those closest to him,” says Jon Kramer, chairman and CEO of Rive Gauche.
The doc uses “unique words from Pope Francis himself to tell you his own story—from humble beginnings in Argentina to the head of the Vatican,” Kramer explains. “These words are tied in beautifully with those who know him best and have been by his side throughout his journey.”
This installment of In Their Own Words highlights his historic election as the first Pope from the Americas. It looks at his commitment to social justice, climate change and human rights, as well as his devotion to bettering the lives of the poor and marginalized. The doc also touches on the controversies and criticisms surrounding his modernizing views.
“It seems apparent today, maybe more than ever, that our changing world needs inspiring leaders who come from nowhere to make a significant impact on society,” Kramer says. “Hopefully, the Pope’s story will inspire others with the belief and desire that it’s possible to make a positive impact on society with principles that move the world forward to a better place. There isn’t a better example than Pope Francis.”
The one-hour piece is part of the larger In Their Own Words documentary franchise, which Rive Gauche has on offer to the international market. “In Their Own Words came about because the producers felt it was time to highlight public figures who came from ordinary lives into the worldwide spotlight,” Kramer says. “We felt the same way.”
The doc series came to Rive Gauche from talented executive producers Martin Katz and Karen Wookey at Prospero Pictures in Toronto, with whom executives at Rive Gauche have a relationship from previous projects.
“When highlighting the life story of high-profile global figures, certain elements come into play when choosing a series that will appeal to global audiences,” Kramer says. “In Their Own Words was an easy decision for us at Rive Gauche when taking into consideration factors that buyers will be on the hunt for. Are the figures well-known to their audiences? Is the story of their life unique? How does it stand out from the rest? Will there be a new revelation, a new angle, new story we’re not familiar with? All of these questions were answered on the spot, and we knew immediately that the intimate way each life story is being told will appeal to multiple audiences in all demographics.”
Each episode explores the lives and impact of well-known inspirational public figures in modern history, using a unique combination of interviews, carefully selected archive and animated content to tell their story “in a way that most audiences have never experienced in any other documentary,” Kramer says. Those profiled include Elon Musk, Princess Diana, former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Chuck Berry and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter.
In addition, In Their Own Words features exclusive access to people close to each profiled subject featured. Some of those speaking intimately are Slash, John Travolta, David Letterman, former U.S. President George W. Bush, Hillary Clinton, Keith Richards, Garth Brooks, the Chuck Berry family and former Ambassador Andrew Young, among others.
