First Pope to play lead Role in a Family Movie: ‘Beyond the Sun’
Pope Francis at the General Audience in St. Peter's Square, Jan. 27, 2016. Credit: Daniel the Sun’ –Published in Catholic News Agency
(Note: Think of King Midas fame! His touch turned everything into Gold! So does the magic touch of Pope Francis. It turns anything and everything into a powerful vehicle for Good news. That is why he is the Pope of surprises. He produced the God of surprises. His latest surprise is to play the lead role in a film that touches all – father, mother and child – Family. Yes his message is always for the whole family of man – micro and macro. For what else did he start his whole pontificate with a survey, study and two Synods on the Family of man? Doesn’t matter if many sleepy, lousy, drowsy bishops and some Bishops’ Conferences like India’s CBCI did not fully cooperate or are still in deep slumber. Down pour of buckets of cold water alone may wake up some of
them. Let us hope that the whole people of God, including those still perched on the various rungs of the pyramidal hierarchical structure will wake up at least to see the up coming film. Shall we pray that some may even dare to play at least some minor roles in this film in the making? james kottoor, editor.)
Vatican City, Feb 1, 2016 / 03:08 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- The “Pope of Surprises” is at it again. Pope Francis is set to be featured in the upcoming film “Beyond the Sun,” the first Pope in history to play himself in a big screen production.
The idea for the film came from the Holy Father, who approached the filmmakers at AMBI Pictures, asking them to produce a movie that could effectively portray Gospel passages and parables to children.
The movie will be a family adventure story where children from different cultures emulate the apostles while searching for Christ in the world around them, says the film group.
All proceeds from “Beyond the Sun” will go to El Almendro and Los Hogares de Cristo, Argentine charities that provide support for at-risk children and young adults in need.
AMBI co-founders Andrea Iervolino and Lady Monika Bacardi are fully financing and producing the film through their AMBI Pictures banner. Co-producers are Graciela Rodriguez and Gabriel Leybu, and the screenplay was written by Graciela Rodriguez.
Iervolino has been producing films since he was 15, when the church in his hometown of Cassino, Italy, opened their doors and allowed him to shoot his footage inside. He has produced, funded and distributed over 50 feature films including “The Merchant of Venice”, “The Humbling” and “All Roads Lead to Rome.”
He said in a statement that working with the Holy Father will be a highlight of his career.
“Our excitement and gratitude toward His Holiness, Pope Francis participating in this film is beyond words. This is not just a movie for us, it’s a message, and who better to have on your side to deliver an important societal and spiritual message than the Pope.”
Bacardi added that the film will be entertaining and moving for families around the world and a creative way to raise money for worthwhile causes.
Principal photography will begin in early 2016 in Italy. AMBI will oversee worldwide distribution through its Los Angeles-based sales division.
