Rome welcomes the eighth edition of the international Catholic film festival “Mirabile Dictu,” which aims to support movies that promote positive values and lifestyles.
The festival rewards four categories: best short film, best documentary, best director and best film. More than 1,000 candidates have submitted movies, but there are only 12 titles vying for the “Silver Fish,” a sculpture that recalls the first Christian symbol.
Among the nominees for best film are “Saint Bridget of Sweden,” from American director Fabio Carini; “Fatima, the Last Mystery,” from Spaniard Andrés Garrigó; and “Ignatius of Loyola: Soldier, Sinner, Saint,” from Philippine Paolo Dy.
For best director, the nominees are: Pablo Moreno, for his film “Light of Loneliness;” David Naglieri for “The Face of Mercy;” and Samuel Sebastian for “The Long Night of Imagination.”
LIANA MARABINI
President, Mirabile Dictu Festival
“I love the Catholic Church, and I don't like to see it mistreated. That's why I've decided to showcase the beautiful part of the Church, which is much larger than the small part of negative things or those that bother us. I think movies are a great evangelization tool, and that's why I now dedicate myself – whether as a producer or organizer of this festival – to give space and create a platform for Catholic films.”
Liana Marabini, the president of the festival, believes Catholic cinema is a good tool for talking about God, and that even a single conversion makes initiatives like this one worthwhile.
LIANA MARABINI
President, Mirabile Dictu Festival
“If a movie transforms even one soul, it means we have reached our goal.”
The festival doesn't end here. In previous editions, they have shown the winning films in places linked to suffering, like hospitals or jails.