Founder of Opus Dei to get the Hollywood treatment

Academy Award nominated director Roland Joffé explores the nature of humanity in his latest movie “There Be Dragons.” The famed director of “The Mission,” which starred Jeremy Irons and Robert de Niro, weaves a story of forgiveness and reconciliation around the figure of Josemaría Escrivá – the founder of the Catholic movement of clergy and priests known as Opus Dei, which in Latin is “God’s Work.” The film deals with the years endured by Spanish priest, who would later be canonized a saint by Pope John Paul II, during the Spanish Civil War in the mid 1930s.

Opus Dei has long been subject to much speculation and controversy, having been linked at times to the government of Spanish dictator Francisco Franco and to Argentina’s military government in the 1970s. Nonetheless, Escriva – now known as St. Josemaria Escriva – is revered by Catholics and some non-Catholics for his gospel of making all work worthy of divinization. His life has now apparently merited an investment of a $35 million major motion picture.

Fr. John Wauck, an Opus Dei priest living in Rome, was the on-set consultant for “There Be Dragons.” “The Catholic Church has gone through a great deal of persecution in the past several years. The culture needs to be aware of the many positive and beautiful aspects of our Church,” he said from Rome. According to Rev. Wauck, “‘There Be Dragons’ tells the story of jealousy, betrayal, hatred, love and redemption. We all battle with internal ‘dragons’ or demons that direct us away from Christ—away from holiness. St. Josemaría shows us that we can achieve holiness and happiness by doing our work and ordinary activities with love. If we follow this simple lesson, we can all defeat our ‘dragons.’”
The $35 million film was shot in Argentina and Spain, and will be released in theaters worldwide in early 2011. “Dragons” just wrapped production in Spain and is currently in post-production. Spanish attorney and member of Opus Dei, Ignacio G. Sancha sought funding during the global recession for “There Be Dragons” and was pleased to encounter resounding support for its production. The film, despite a Socialist president, won backing from by Spanish National Television and the Spanish government.

See website: http://www.therebedragonsfilm.com/