During the month of December, Mary becomes quite the prominent figure in the collective society, visually represented in Nativity scenes and plays, Christmas cards and ornaments. But for Catholics, the Blessed Mother remains a person of importance year-round – a source of comfort and supplication, fascination and devotion. Many movies have featured Mary, some more for entertainment value than for spiritual. But on three select dates, the film “I Am the Immaculate Conception” will run in a handful of theaters in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
The press release for the upcoming film points out the relevance of this subject at this time of year. “During the seasons of Advent and Christmas, filmmakers invite audiences to ponder why Mary presents herself this way.”
With use of modern film technology, Polish director Michal Kondrat, known for “Faustina: Love and Mercy,” brings Mary’s story powerfully to life on the big screen. Filmed in Poland, France and the U.S., the documentary-style drama explores the meaning of Mary’s title as the Immaculate Conception.
Unlike other movies about Mary, “I Am the Immaculate Conception” relies heavily on contributions from Marian experts, including the Congregation of Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Father Chris Alar, MIC, Father Joseph Roesch, MIC, Father Donald Calloway, MIC and Father Kazimierz Chwalek, MIC analyzed Greek Scriptures and Church Tradition to present Mary’s role in salvation history. Throughout the hour-and-twenty-minute docu-drama, they explain why Mary refers to herself by this title when she appeared to Bernadette at Lourdes.
This is seen in the visual representation of the most critical moments in her life and that of her son Jesus, including the Annunciation, the wedding feast at Cana and, of course, Calvary.
The timing for the film’s release is apropos, with the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception taking place only days prior to the showings. And as the Immaculate Conception is the chosen patroness of the United States, exploring this Marian dogma is relevant for American Catholics.
In the press release, Kondrat stated: “The Virgin Mary is precisely who our broken world needs as an intercessor, a motherly guide and a way to her son Jesus. I pray this movie is an inspiration to all Americans looking for the divine and to understand what Mary’s story means in today’s world. I pray that Catholics in America flood the theaters for an on-screen encounter with the Immaculate Conception.”
He spoke of the importance of the subject matter in the press release as well. “This is a movie for today’s world in need of the sound teaching of the Church and the presence of Our Mother, Mary, the Immaculate Conception. We encourage families, parishes and schools to see this movie together to grow in their love and devotion to Mary and her son Jesus.”
Boston native and president of AWE PR, Alexis Walkenstein, spoke to Rhode Island Catholic about becoming involved with promoting this film. “It’s an honor to work with producer and director Michal Kondrat whose faith guides his filmmaking. His special relationship with the Marian Fathers ensures that their spiritual covering accompanies the film which is a cinematic catechesis on Mary’s role in God’s plan for salvation.”
As a lifelong Catholic, Walkenstein points out the timeliness of it. She stated: “This film arrives at a wonderful time of year when every Catholic is called to go deeper in our devotion to Jesus and Mary and the things of heaven. It’s an honor for us to work on projects that elevate the culture, and we encourage all to support films that provide a message of faith so that more movies like this can make an impact.”
For local screening locations and dates, to purchase tickets or to watch the trailer, visit www.immaculatemovie2024.com.
