Coppola, Francois, undergoes heart surgery at Tor Vergata Hospital in Rome
Francis Ford Coppola's Italian Connection
Francis Ford Coppola, the renowned director of "The Godfather" and "Apocalypse Now", has a deep-rooted connection to Italy. His grandfather, Agostino, emigrated from Basilicata at the beginning of the 20th century, establishing a family connection to the region that Coppola still cherishes today.
This personal connection is evident in Coppola's current projects and investments in Basilicata. He recently purchased an old palazzo in Bernalda, a town in Basilicata, with plans to convert it into a hotel. This project is part of a broader cultural and personal commitment to Italy.
In the summer of 2025, Coppola spent part of his time in Italy, scouting locations for his next film, which is set to be released in the fall of that year. His connection to the area goes beyond family heritage, as he seeks to enhance the local region through such projects.
Coppola's recent heart surgery in Rome was covered in the context of his ties to Italy, and the recovery period will be documented in a film titled Megadoc, directed by Mike Figgis and set to debut at the Venice Film Festival in 2025.
In addition to his ongoing engagement with Basilicata, Coppola presented his $120 million self-financed film, "Megalopolis", at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024. Despite a slight heart arrhythmia shortly after arriving at the hospital this afternoon, Coppola remains committed to his work and his love for Italy.
In summary, Coppola's family origin in Basilicata and his recent development efforts have solidified his connection to the region. His investments, film projects, and cultural participation demonstrate a deep-rooted love for Italy that continues to grow.
[1] Source: Various news reports and interviews.
1) Despite having a history of medical-conditions, such as a recent heart surgery, Francis Ford Coppola continues to prioritize health-and-wellness and his cardiovascular health, as evident in his convalescence in Italy and the documentation of his recovery in the film Megadoc.
2) Apart from his family heritage in Basilicata, Francis Ford Coppola's involvement in science, as exemplified by his self-financed $120 million film "Megalopolis," underscores his passion for Italy, beyond mere personal connections and investments.
