ROME, DEC. 12, 2000 (Zenit.org).-
The cinema paid homage to John Paul II and his apostolate in the media with the fourth version of the “Tertio Millennio” Festival, the only cinematographic expression of the Jubilee.
In addition to numerous films from all over the world, including director Lars Von Trier´s “Dancer in the Dark,” the festival includes some important premieres, such as “Mary, Daughter of Her Son,” produced by Titanus for Italian television.
The festival will reach its culminating point during this weekend´s Jubilee of the Entertainment World. John Paul II has said that cinema has a special contribution toward the maturation of a new humanism and evangelization.
The festival includes films that cover some of the problematic issues of the world over the past years, including the Middle East situation, the ethnic war in the Balkans, and the Mafia.
A president of the festival, Andrea Piersanti, explained its purpose: “It is a festival that tries to see in what way the cinema and television fiction transmit and propose models of behavior, and ethical and social values” to viewers throughout the world.
Among the works presented is Italian state television´s multimedia project entitled “Un Dono Semplice” (“A Simple Gift”), a book, film and documentary dedicated to the work of Sister Nancy Pereira in restoring dignity to 3,000 Indian families.
The Indian nun explains: “The principal reason that impelled me to begin my work was to combat infant mortality and death in childbirth; to help street girls combat child labor. I think the most important thing is to educate families, by giving them a means of sustenance, in order to avoid all these tragic conditions. What is important is to educate them in how to live, save and raise children in a healthy way.”
Overcoming the many contradictions of her homeland, she has attracted the attention of Giampaolo Sodano, the other president of the festival. “She is a woman who has had the ability to do something that governments, monetary funds and states have worked on for long with few results: the rescue from poverty,” Sodano said. “If Sister Pereira receives recognition for her work one day, knowing her, I have always thought that this would not mean much to her, but it would have the value of the witness she gives in life.”
