FATIMA MOVIE GOES INTO PRODUCTION
Los Angeles, CA – September 4, 2018 – Origin Entertainment and Elysia Productions, in association with Rose Pictures announce the commencement of production for their film, FATIMA. The nine-week shoot will take place in several historic locations in Portugal. The film will portray the story of the supernatural events in Fatima that occurred over a six-month period and culminated with what is known as “the miracle of the Sun.”
The story is known worldwide largely because of three secrets which were revealed to three young shepherd children by Our Lady of Fatima during the visitations. It is amazing to realize that in 1917, before television, the internet or any reliable communication, 70 thousand people gathered at this remote site to witness the final apparition and its anticipated miracle.
“The Fatima story is unique in that it transcends religion and touches the hearts of all people, regardless of faith,” said Ganguzza. “The story’s universal appeal re-connects us all with our humanity and the belief that miracles happen.”
The production has already filmed the 100th Year Anniversary Mass in Fatima which took place in May of 2017. The Mass was celebrated by Pope Francis, who dedicated his papacy to Our Lady of Fatima. Portions of the footage will be used in the film.
James T. Volk, Chairman and Founder of Origin Entertainment, Stefano Buono and Maribel Lopera Sierra, founders of Elysia Productions, Dick Lyles, CEO of Origin Entertainment, Rose Ganguzza of Rose Pictures, Marco Pontecorvo, and Natasha Howes will produce. The project was developed by Origin and written by Marco Pontecorvo and Valerio D’Annunzio based on a story by Barbara Nicolosi. Pontecorvo will also direct.
“We have assembled a world class cast to appeal to the global audience for which this project is intended,” said Buono. Included in the lineup are Harvey Keitel, Sonia Braga, Goran Visnjic, Joaquim de Almeida, and Lucia Moniz.
The three shepherds will be played by Stephanie Gil, Alejandra Howard and Jorge Lamelas.
Ute Leonhardt and Marco Valerio Pugini of Rome’s Panorama Films are charged with the physical production of the film and Giuseppe Ciocciarelli, Nuno Martins and Gerardo Fernandes / Vivi Film Portugal will provide Portuguese Production Services.
Because of the script’s authenticity, the film has been designated Centenary Project by the Shrine of Fatima, which is the world’s leading authority on the apparitions. It is also endorsed and fully supported by The World Apostolate of Fatima which has chapters in more than 110 countries around the world. Last year alone 9 million people from the far corners of the world visited Fatima and it remains as one of the largest tourist sites in the world.
***
About the movie FATIMA
- Production Companies: Origin Entertainment, Elysia Productions and Rose Pictures
- Producers: James T. Volk, Stefano Buono, Maribel Lopera Sierra, Dick Lyles, Marco Pontecorvo, Rose Ganguzza and Natasha Howes
- Director: Marco Pontecorvo
- Writers: Marco Pontecorvo and Valerio D’Annunzio based on story by Barbara Nicolosi
About Origin Entertainment
Origin Entertainment is a broad–based production company focused on producing transformative entertainment. Origin produces films that evoke the audience’s desire for the heroic, foster a generosity of spirit, and inspire them to make choices for the greater good. Origin has developed a slate of pictures that includes THE CODE, a teen/young adult sci-fi thriller and A SEVERE MERCY, the screenplay adaptation of the Harper Collins best selling novel written by Sheldon Vanauken. For more information visit www.originentertainment.com.
About Elysia Productions
Elysia Produc4ons was launched to produce FATIMA by Elysia Capital, the Family Office of Stefano Buono and Maribel Lopera Sierra focused on Innovation, Social Impact, Education, Arts and Culture.
About Rose Pictures
Rose Ganguzza is known in indie circles as “The Godmother of Young Filmmakers.” Many of Ganguzza’s films have been with first time filmmakers: AFTERSCHOOL (Antonio Campos), KILL YOUR DARLINGS (John Krokidas), MARGIN CALL (JC Chandor) and THE GUITAR (Amy Redford). Ganguzza’s other films include NEW YORK I LOVE YOU; THE ROMANTICS; THE WORDS, and SOMEDAY THIS PAIN WILL BE USEFUL TO YOU and most recently the Julian Fellowes project, THE CHAPERONE, and the Diane Keaton/Jackie Weaver comedy, POMS. Ganguzza has done a number of documentaries that include BLUE GOLD, TRASHED and NEW YORK AT THE MOVIES and besides FATIMA, is in pre-production on the features, WILLOWBROOK and EVER THERE, which she wrote with Jake Alden Falconer. Ganguzza is also in pre-production on the two part television biopic HEDY with Diane Kruger. Ganguzza has extensive experience in the global market, began doing co-productions many years ago and has worked throughout Europe, South America and Asia, structuring film and television deals.
Contact: Dick Lyles, CEO Origin Entertainment: 1-858.395.8517
