Therese Follows the Passion

August 17, 2004 - 12:00 PDT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA ADVISORY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Catholic PRWire

THÉRÈSE FOLLOWS THE PASSION
AS NEXT RELIGIOUS FILM TO HIT THEATERS
IN OCTOBER 2004

Portland, Ore., August 2004: The surprise success of Mel Gibson's Passion has proved the immense audience potential of Christian films and for independent production company, Luke Films, the timing couldn't be better. They are poised to release their feature film Thérèse in theaters across the country in October, 2004. Based on the life of the most popular saint of modern times, Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, also known as "the Little Flower," the film is directed by Leonardo Defilippis, and stars newcomer Lindsay Younce in the title role.

What makes Thérèse so remarkable is the unprecedented anticipation it has created among the St. Thérèse's followers, who have donated the entire budget; everything from substantial foundation grants to flower sales organized by groups of school children. Proof of the film's enormous audience potential is reflected in the phenomenal popularity of the Thérèse website, www.theresemovie.com

Thérèse brings to the screen the inspiring true story of an ordinary girl with an extraordinary soul. Set in 19th century France, the film follows the life of Thérèse Martin, a middle-class girl who leaves her close-knit family to enter the cloistered world of a Carmelite monastery. There she experiences great joy along with tremendous trials until her premature death from tuberculosis at age 24.

Audiences at preview screenings have received the film with great enthusiasm. "An extraordinary cinematic achievement," says Tony Ryan of Ignatius Press. Father Donald Kinney, world-renowned Saint Thérèse scholar, calls Thérèse, "a masterpiece." Michael Medved, radio talk show host, saw the film and talked about its "flashes of eloquence." Last July, Pope John Paul II viewed Thérèse at his summer residence, Castel Gondolfo, and imparted his blessing to Thérèse and to all who will see the film.

Defilippis believes that Thérèse has a universal appeal. "Here is a girl who is really neurotic and fearful at the beginning of the film, and seems to be destined for a pious, hidden life, protected in the womb of her family. Then she goes through an extraordinary transformation that sends her flying towards greatness. She does this by merely accepting her weakness, and doing little things out of love. A simple message for our times - anyone can do it, and everyone will be inspired."

After a nationwide talent search, Defilippis chose 18-year-old Younce for the lead role because of her "fresh, honest quality, which captures the innocence and purity of Thérèse" and which enabled Younce to put forth a stunning portrayal of Saint Thérèse in all her radiant simplicity and gentleness.

When Younce was cast in the film, although not Catholic at the time, she had been intensely studying Catholic theology and was preparing to enter into with the Catholic Church the following year. The experience of portraying Thérèse greatly assisted Younce in deepening her understanding of Catholic spirituality. "It was an amazing opportunity to be chosen to play this great saint and tell her beautifully touching story of love," says Younce. "It really required me to let go and surrender my performance."

After 25 years as a producer, actor, and theatrical director in the entertainment industry, Leonardo Defilippis makes his feature film directorial debut with Thérèse. When he first began this work, he received a letter from Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who wrote, "Do this beautiful work for God and the poor." That's just how Defilippis sees this movie: "Something beautiful for God."

"My vision of a lush, 19th-century period-production with a profound spiritual and emotional impact has been translated to the screen by the talented members of our cast and crew," he says. "There is a hunger out there for movies that tell positive, entertaining stories of hope. This movie gives audiences an experience of God's presence in their daily lives. Thérèse shows us how even the smallest, most seemingly insignificant things of life can indeed change our very souls."

# # #

Contact

Luke Films
http://www.theresemovie.com
OR, US
Ashley Macomber - Director of Public Relations, 503 546-5685

Keywords

Therese, Passion, Movies, Saint

Category

Catholic Organizations

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