Florissant, MO, March 19, 2025— The Augustine Institute, in partnership with Digital Continent, announces the upcoming release of its second documentary in the groundbreaking new series “Based on a True Saint.” Known globally as the first millennial to reach sainthood, “The Boy from Milan” aims to challenge popular stereotypes and help viewers get to know Blessed Carlo Acutis as an ordinary teenager who personified love for Christ and people. Through captivating animation, beautiful video footage of Carlo’s native Italy, and interviews with three individuals who knew him and were personally impacted by his real-life story, “The Boy from Milan” releases on April 2 on Formed, the Augustine Institute’s faith formation streaming platform.
The “Based on a True Saint” series challenges the notion that saints are just myths and legends with streets, buildings, hospitals, and commercial holidays named after them. “This series is designed to tell the amazingly true stories of modern saints in a way that encourages us all to holiness. The story of Carlo Acutis is one we have all become aware of in recent years, but we wanted to hear from people who knew him personally,” said Emily Mentock, executive producer of “The Boy from Milan” and co-founder of Digital Continent. “While he is known to some today as the sneaker-wearing teenager who loved computers and gaming, there is more to his story. Carlo loved Jesus in the Eucharist and had such a heart for the poor and vulnerable. He made a lasting impression on those who knew him from birth and on those transformed by mere chance encounters.”
This story of a regular boy who saw God in everyone and everything around him is told from the perspective of three people: Carlo’s mother, Antonia Salzano Acutis; his high school religion teacher, Fabrizio Zaggia, at Leone XIII Institute in Milan; and Dr. Mercedes Arguello, Carlo’s pediatric oncologist at San Gerardo Hospital in Monza. All three share their unique accounts of Carlo as the “saint next door” whose profound love of God and the Eucharist could not go unnoticed.
“One of the most moving experiences in the filming process was when each interviewee was asked to read a sample of Carlo’s writing,” reflected Edmundo Reyes, co-founder of Digital Content and executive producer of the documentary. “It’s a powerful and emotional moment that offers a glimpse into Carlo’s spiritual depth. While today’s youth can connect with him as someone who enjoyed similar hobbies and pastimes, we also want them to be inspired by his love for the Eucharist, his service to those in need, and his joyful living. He is a model of holiness for everyone.”
The thirty-minute film will be released on Formed on April 2 as part of the Augustine Institute’s “Countdown to Canonization” opt-in journey, featuring a number of inspirational and educational resources dedicated to Blessed Carlo Acutis as the worldwide Catholic Church prepares for his canonization on April 27 in the Diocese of Assisi.
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