Francis Ford Coppola (Detroit, 7 April 1939) is an American film director, screenwriter and producer (best known for the *The Godfather* saga) The Godfather and for Apocalypse Now).
His connection to Basilicata is very simple and typical of people his age: he is the grandson of a migrant from Bernalda (Agostino), who made his fortune in America.
It was this town in Basilicata that awarded him the title of honorary citizen 1 May 1989.
The director, for his part, has bought a grand, historic building in the town and turned it into an exclusive hotel. He himself spends long periods in the area, enjoying the beautiful beaches of Metaponto.
It is not just a personal venture, however: Coppola has a plan to revitalise the local area, through a project to establish a training centre for screenwriters, playwrights, musicians and artists in Torremare, near Metaponto.
