The Making of "Martin Scorsese Presents: The Saints"

"Martin Scorsese Presents: The Saints," a new series on Fox Nation, showcases the lives of Christian saints through a humanized lens, co-created by renowned director Martin Scorsese and Israeli producer Matti Leshem. The series aims to present these figures in a realistic manner, diverging from traditional portrayals.

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Matti Leshem's fascination with saints began during his childhood, influenced by his experiences in Catholic schools around the world due to his father's diplomatic career. His father, Moshe Leshem, a Holocaust survivor and former ambassador, valued education and exposed Matti to various religious narratives. Leshem's great-aunt, a convert to Catholicism, further deepened his interest in the stories of saints, which he found compelling and relatable.

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Matti Leshem, who has produced works like "The Survivor" and "The Commandant’s Shadow," envisioned a series that would explore the human aspects of saints. His collaboration with Martin Scorsese, known for films such as "Taxi Driver" and "Goodfellas," was pivotal. Scorsese, who has a personal connection to Catholic themes, agreed to partner with Leshem after an extensive discussion about religion and storytelling.

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Leshem and Scorsese focused on portraying the saints authentically. For example, the episode on Saint Mary the Virgin explores her experience of childbirth in a realistic manner, countering the sanitized depictions often seen in popular culture. Leshem emphasized the importance of presenting Mary as a real woman and mother, which required a thoughtful approach to storytelling.

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Leshem expressed his commitment to the project, stating, "I never gave up on it, and finally Fox Nation gave us the opportunity to do the show." He highlighted Scorsese's active involvement in the creative process, noting, "Marty’s involvement is very specific... He knows when something works and when it doesn’t."

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While the series has been well-received, some critics may question the portrayal of religious figures and the blending of cultural narratives. Leshem acknowledges the complexity of representing figures who hold significant meaning in both Jewish and Christian traditions, aiming to honor their stories while making them accessible to a broader audience.

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Following its successful debut, "The Saints" is expected to continue exploring various saints' lives, with Scorsese's involvement ensuring a high level of artistic integrity. Leshem's vision for the series reflects his commitment to telling stories that resonate across cultural and religious boundaries.

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• “I thought, let’s really explore that. She’s still a woman. She’s still giving birth. What’s that like?” — Matti Leshem

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• “He was by far the most educated, three-dimensional person I’ve ever met.” — Matti Leshem on Scorsese

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Through this collaboration, Leshem and Scorsese aim to redefine how saints are depicted in media, making their stories relatable and engaging for contemporary audiences.

The Jerusalem Post