Filmmaker
29 September 2026, at Ateneo, Madrid
What lies beneath one of the most iconic buildings in the world?
For centuries, the tomb of Saint Peter has remained one of the Vatican’s best-kept secrets.
We were delighted to welcome acclaimed filmmaker Paula Ortiz for our LeadHers dinner, just a few weeks before the premiere of PÉTROS ENÍ (Peter Is Here).
The documentary PÉTROS ENÍ follows one of Hollywood’s biggest box-office stars, Chris Pratt, on a fascinating journey beyond the Vatican’s monumental architecture and world-famous masterpieces, deep into the very heart of the Holy See.
Descending into the little-known Necropolis beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, the film uncovers the history of the tomb of the first Apostle, the first Pope, the “rock” upon which Christianity was built, whose legacy has shaped the Catholic faith across the world and, in many ways, the course of Western civilization.
It is a remarkable exploration of a sacred place that has endured for millennia, where history, faith and archaeology converge.
Its story is inextricably linked to that of the Apostle Peter and to the construction of St. Peter’s Basilica, which will celebrate the 400th anniversary of its consecration when PÉTROS ENÍ is released in theatres in 2026.
One of the documentary’s most remarkable moments is the special appearance of Pope Leo XIV, who offers his personal testimony on what it means to be the Successor of the Apostle Peter, bringing a unique conclusion to this exploration of the roots of the Roman Catholic faith.
A director, screenwriter and PhD in Communication, Paula Ortiz has spent more than a decade building one of the most distinctive careers in contemporary Spanish cinema. Her films, including La Novia, nominated for twelve Goya Awards, and Teresa, inspired by the writings of Saint Teresa of Ávila, have established her as a filmmaker whose work sits at the intersection of literature, poetry, philosophy and cinema.
During this intimate conversation, Paula took us behind the scenes of PÉTROS ENÍ, sharing the creative journey of bringing one of the world’s most significant historical and spiritual sites to the screen. Together, we explored the dialogue between cinema, history, faith and artistic creation.