Chiara (film)

Chiara is a 2021 Italian-French drama film directed by Susanna Nicchiarelli. The film stars Margherita Mazzucco in the lead role as Saint Clare of Assisi. It explores the early life of Clare, a young noblewoman who abandons her privileged life to follow Saint Francis of Assisi and found the Order of Poor Ladies, later known as the Poor Clares. The film portrays Clare's spiritual journey, her struggles against societal expectations and the Church's patriarchal structure, and her unwavering dedication to her chosen path of poverty and devotion. The film focuses on her youth and development of her faith in contrast to the more widely known facts of Saint Francis. It was selected to compete for the Golden Lion at the 78th Venice International Film Festival.