Don’t expect Pope Francis to pose topless on the sands of Cannes. But he’ll be the talk of the film festival when he makes his movie debut in “Beyond the Sun.”
The Los Angeles-based sales division of a film company is in charge of distribution.
The 80-year-old cleric didn’t need an acting coach for this gig, which began filming more than a year ago.
He plays himself.
As The Telegraph reports from the UK: “The producers claim that it is the first time in the history of the Roman Catholic Church that a Pope has agreed to play a cameo role in a film. The religious-themed movie, in which four young children from different cultures try to follow the teachings of Christ, will be launched at the Cannes Film Festival, which starts on May 17.”
He didn’t need to go through Central Casting either.
“The Holy Father reportedly asked producers to come up with a film aimed at young people that could communicate the message of the Gospels.”
In its early 2016 story, The Hollywood Reporter said AMBI Pictures would oversee worldwide distribution through its Los Angeles-based sales division.
“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,” said AMBI co-founder and executive producer Andrea Iervolino.
“This movie will provide funds to support extremely worthwhile causes that we take very seriously. This message and cause are very dear to the entire AMBI family and we are honored and inspired by the level of collaboration from the Vatican.”
The Telegraph added: “Profits from the venture will be donated to two charities in Argentina that are close to the Pope’s heart – El Alemendro and Los Hogares de Cristo, which help disadvantaged children. Much of the film, described as a family adventure, was shot in Argentina.”
I’m proud to be Executive Producer on this movie #AMBI Pope Francis’ Feature Film Debut in ‘Beyond the Sun’ https://t.co/axhjNoFbEC via @thr
— Gabriela Tagliavini (@gabbotagliavini) May 5, 2017