POPEMANIA

DIRECTOR, PRODUCER, WRITER

As Pope Francis visits the Philippines in 2015, opportunistic Filipino Catholics turn him into a money-making souvenir business.

In January 2015, Pope Francis visited the Philippines, and in true Filipino hospitality, the nation welcomed the Pope. But while Pope Francis is known for his simplicity, his visit was steeped in extravagance. News of the preparations dominated television, while souvenir sellers printed his face on shirts, calendars, and various collectible items.

Popemania retells the story of the 2015 Papal Visit through the lens of the extravagant Filipino. From behind the gates of a convent, to the millions crowding the Manila streets, the documentary seeks to ask: Was the Pope just one big trend?

Click poster to expand.