The Awakening of a Giant (2017): 95 minutes
Director: John Ziberna, Valeria Baldan
Cast: Diana Hobel, Abigail Pintar, Stella
The movie is a powerful meditative narration of the amazing life of St Veronica Giuliani, the17th century Franciscan mystic and doctor of the Church whom Pope Pius IX described as a “giant of saintliness.” Born in 1660 in the aristocratic family of Francesco and Benedetta Mancini Giuliani in Urbino, Italy, Veronica was baptized Ursula, the youngest of seven sisters, three of whom chose the monastic life. From infancy she exhibited a profound connection to Jesus and Mary, often experiencing visions and conversing with them. Veronica Giuliani, from a young age, prioritized helping the poor over her own comforts. At 16, she had a vision that strengthened her resolve. Veronica’s diary shows her struggle to let go of material desires when her father’s promotion elevated their social standing, and he introduced her to high society in hopes of finding a suitable marriage partner. Despite her family’s expectations for a conventional life, Ursula became a Franciscan at the age of 17, choosing the name Veronica in honour of Christ’s Passion. The bishop who officiated predicted that Veronica would one day be a great saint. The movie delves into Veronica’s inner struggles and spiritual journey, marked by intense encounters with the supernatural and her unwavering commitment to emulate Christ’s suffering out of love for Him. Despite facing skepticism and scrutiny, including the receiving of stigmata, Veronica remained resolute in her faith until her passing in 1727, leaving behind a journal chronicling her heroic journey. Beatified in 1804 and canonized in 1839, St. Veronica Giuliani’s legacy endures as a testament to unwavering faith and devotion.
Io Capitano (2023): 122 minutes
Director: Matteo Garrone
Cast: Seydou Sarr, Moustapha Fall, Issaka Sawagodo, Hichem Yacoubi, Doodou Sagna.
This internationally acclaimed movie tells of the Immigrant/ refugee crisis that is of much political and social concern today. Drawn from the experiences of several such immigrants who have found better life in Europe, away from their Afro- Asian backgrounds it provides the point of view of African immigrants fleeing from poverty and oppression in their native lands in search of better life in the West. Apart from presenting the sufferings of refugees it is also the story of two African teenagers being initiated into the trials of life, outgrowing their innocence and naiveté, into maturity through sufferings, holding on to hope and determination. “Io Capitano” is a gripping tale that follows the journey of Seydou and Mousa, two African teenagers, as they bravely navigate the perilous path from Senegal to Sicily in search of a better life. Determined to escape poverty and oppression in their homeland, they embark on a clandestine odyssey fraught with danger and uncertainty. Their quest takes them through Mali, Libya, and the unforgiving terrain of the Sahara Desert, where they confront various obstacles, from border patrols and bribery to imprisonment and exploitation. Seydou’s unwavering resolve is tested as he grapples with the brutality of detention centers and the challenges of forced labor, all while striving to protect himself and his injured cousin, Mousa. Despite the odds stacked against them, Seydou and Mousa persevere, fueled by their dreams of a brighter future. With the help of a human trafficker, they embark on a treacherous sea voyage across the Mediterranean, with Seydou assuming the role of an unlikely captain. Their journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity.
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