top of page
Kristi Thompson

Brother Sun, Sister Moon, lush with innocence and simplicity of St. Francis of Assisi

"Brother Sun, Sister Moon", by Franco Zeffirelli, 1972


FREE ENTRY!! (subject to availability) Location: Casa das Histórias Paula Rego, Av. da República 300, Cascais

"Brother Sun Sister Moon," based on the early life of St. Francis of Assisi, shines with masterful cinematic richness, of the luscious landscapes of Umbria and Tuscany and scenes in Rome where St. Francis has an audience with the Pope, to shows a colision between worldly magnificence and St. Francis' humility and devotion to poverty, chastity and obedience.


Location: Casa das Histórias Paula Rego

Av. da República, 300, Cascais

FREE ENTRY!! (subject to availability)


Synopsis: A young Francis returns home from the wars with an illness, in which during his recovery he has flashbacks to his extravagant, wasteful youth. He awakens to a new life of loving God, man, and nature. He gives away his possessions against his wealthy father's wishes. Through his magnetism, several of St. Francis' former worldly friends join him.


Franco Zeffirelli was one of the best directors known for his masterful ability to design magnificient settings, luscious expansive views and an eye for a dramatic production.


What inspired Zeffirelli?

  • Opera: Zeffirelli's directing career started on the operatic stage in the 1950s, a favorite director of all the greatest singers, including Domingo, Teresa Stadas in his films, and became friends with Maria Callas when directing her in "La Traviata" in Dallas, Texas in 1958, and the famed "Tosca" duo Callas and Tito Gobbi.

  • Shakespeare: Zeffirelli was highly awarded for bringing Shakespeare to the big screen. His most acclaimed film was Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet", 1968.

  • "Brother Sun, Sister Moon" was filmed in the same lush, yet simple, innocent style as Zeffirelli's "Romeo and Juliet".

  • Franco Zeffirelli won David di Donatello Best Director Award for both "Brother Sun, sister Moon"1973, and "Romeo and Juliet"1968.



bottom of page