CHINA Edition
Hungarian Edition
Italian actor and part-time Budapest resident Giuseppe Bonifati is taking on a unique role in Martin Scorsese Presents: The Saints, an eight-part docudrama series premiering November 17 on FOX Nation. The series, produced by Scorsese, explores the lives of iconic religious figures across history, with each episode dedicated to a different saint. Bonifati stars as Brother Elias of Cortona, the complex companion of St. Francis of Assisi.
The Budapest-based actor’s involvement in “The Saints” marks a new chapter in his already impressive international career. Known for his roles in Michael Mann’s “Ferrari”, alongside Adam Driver and Penélope Cruz, and Ridley Scott’s “All the Money in the World”, Bonifati has consistently collaborated with some of the film industry’s greatest storytellers. Living part-time in Budapest with his wife and creative producer, Linda Sugataghy, Bonifati brings a unique European perspective to his craft, enriched by experiences across Italy, Hungary, and beyond.
When asked if portraying a historical figure like Brother Elias brings a unique sense of responsibility or perspective to his acting, Bonifati responded:
“Portraying a historical figure like Brother Elias in “The Saints” is both a profound responsibility and an exciting opportunity… As an artist with roots in both Italy and Hungary, I feel connected to the shared spiritual and historical heritage that underpins narratives like this.”
Bonifati also noted that working on “The Saints” felt like rediscovering a piece of home, with Hungarian costume designers András Dániel Tóth and Attila Godena-Juhász adding a special touch of authenticity to the characters.
Bonifati also reflected on his upbringing, mentioning that he attended a religious school as a child but later experienced a departure from traditional beliefs. Although he is not a practicing believer, he described art as his personal form of spirituality, noting that this perspective added a unique layer to his portrayal of Brother Elias in “The Saints”. The role allowed him to explore themes of faith and doubt, resonating with his own journey of finding meaning through creativity.
