Behind the Scenes: Paolo Sorrentino's Documentary on Carlo Ancelotti's World Cup Journey
Paolo Sorrentino has started filming a documentary about the famous Italian football player and manager Carlo Ancelotti. The project, produced in collaboration with The Apartment, is currently in production. FilmNation is handling the worldwide rights, excluding Italy, and has initiated discussions at Cannes. The documentary will provide a behind-the-scenes look at Ancelotti's personal life as he leads the Brazilian national team in preparation for the upcoming World Cup in the US, Mexico, and Canada.
Sorrentino, known for his football-themed film "The Hand Of God," has been quietly shooting in Brazil and will continue to follow Ancelotti and the team to the World Cup. Ancelotti, a former player for AC Milan, Roma, and the Italian national team, gained significant recognition through his successful managerial career, winning league titles with various clubs and multiple Champions League trophies. The documentary will delve into Ancelotti's personal journey, highlighting themes of human connection, humility, and intuition.
The untitled Carlo Ancelotti project is being produced by MDE Films, Tart Productions, and MeMo Films, with executive producer Eric Beard from Where is Football. Ancelotti expressed his excitement about collaborating with Sorrentino, praising the director's storytelling abilities. Sorrentino, in turn, described the documentary as a blend of sentimentality, emotion, and sportsmanship, capturing the essence of Ancelotti's life from Italy to Brazil.
Paolo Sorrentino, an acclaimed Italian director, has a history of success in the film industry, with his film "The Great Beauty" winning the foreign language Oscar in 2014. His latest work, "La Grazia," premiered at the 2025 Venice Film Festival. The upcoming documentary on Carlo Ancelotti promises to offer a unique perspective on the legendary football figure, showcasing his journey through the lens of Sorrentino's artistic vision.