St. Augustine Film to Be Screened in U.S.

Ignatius Press is distributing Restless Heart movie.

(photo: <i>Restless Heart</i> Facebook)

Restless Heart, a feature film about the famous theologian St. Augustine of Hippo, is now available for sponsored theatrical screenings across the U.S.

Ignatius Press, the film’s American distributor, is encouraging individuals, parishes, church groups or other organizations to bring the film to their towns.

Interested groups and individuals should work with local theaters and other venues to book a screening. Ignatius Press said it will provide a copy of the film and a complete promotional kit for "an affordable fee."

"We are thrilled to bring Restless Heart to the big screen," said Mark Brumley, president of Ignatius Press.

He said St. Augustine’s story is "inspiring and compelling" and his writings are "among the most respected in the world, even today."

The $20-million movie was directed by Christian Duguay. It stars Alessandro Preziosi as Augustine.

St. Augustine was the author of many excellent homilies and books, including his Confessions, a famous account of his childhood and his life as a scholar and bishop in the fourth-century Roman Empire. His soul-searching descriptions of his lamented sins and his conversion to Christianity have inspired others throughout the centuries.

Brumley said the movie is "the most moving story of conversion and reconciliation ever brought to the big screen."

The Catholic marketing firm The Maximus Group is arranging the screenings.

Kevin Wandra, a media relations specialist at The Maximus Group, told CNA that the movie will not have a theatrical release. However, the sponsorship program will allow the movie to be shown in theaters from Aug. 28 until early November.