Sky Arte Documentary Explores Italian Religious Devotion Through Archival Footage

A documentary titled 'Lascia stare i santi' by Gianfranco Pannone and Ambrogio Sparagna will air on Sky Arte on Sunday, April 11. The film examines popular religious devotion in Italy over the past century, using archival material from the Archivio Luce, including documentaries and newsreels. It contrasts historical and contemporary expressions of faith, particularly in southern Italy, where folk religion remains tangible through song and music. The documentary features voices of intellectuals such as Ignazio Silone, Pier Paolo Pasolini, Rocco Scotellaro, Mario Soldati, and Antonio Gramsci. The film traces a journey across regions including Veneto, Sicily, Lazio, and Puglia, highlighting the persistent need for the sacred in modern times.