Francis Ford Coppola Hospitalized in Italy After Festival

Francis Ford Coppola, the 86-year-old Oscar-winning director known for 'The Godfather' and 'Apocalypse Now,' has been hospitalized in Italy—reportedly either in Rome or Calabria—after experiencing a mild cardiac arrhythmia linked to atrial fibrillation ahead of scheduled heart surgery. Coppola was in the country to present his latest film, 'Megalopolis,' at the Magna Grecia Festival and has spent the summer scouting locations for a new project. He has longstanding ties to Italy, especially Basilicata, where his family originates and where he has invested in local revitalization initiatives. At the festival, Coppola recently shared optimistic remarks with young audiences. Local media report that he remains under observation, though there has been no official comment from his representatives or hospital officials. The situation is developing and further updates are expected.