Kristina Cooper interviews Cabrini director Alejandro Monteverde

Alejandro Monteverde

"You can serve your weakness or you can serve your purpose!" This could be a 21st century motivational quote but it was actually said by Mother Cabrini, the first Italian American canonised saint and the subject of the recently released epic drama 'Cabrini' directed by Mexican film maker, Alejandro Monteverde. In the face of opposition from corrupt politicians and bureaucratic Church officials, Cabrini, a sickly but feisty nun became a catalyst for reform in the New York City slums of the 1880s.

Initially Monteverde wasn't attracted to the idea of making a film about a nun but when he heard the details of Cabrini's amazing life, and the obstacles she had to overcome, he realised that it was a classic underdog immigrant tale and would connect with audiences. He is obviously fascinated by the contradictions of Cabrini's life - a nun who builds a real estate empire that rivalled the reach of Rockefeller.

Monteverde comments: "She was a warrior. She was able as a woman to build an empire, but her empire was an empire of hope - but it was still an empire. Her real estate was to house children and the homeless. But she had to face all the challenges that anyone who builds an empire like that has to face."

The film shows what a tough and astute negotiator Cabrini was. When the corrupt mayor colludes in an arson attack on her newly refurbished hospital, she turns up at his office and reminds him of the Italian vote and that if he wants to be re-elected it will be in his best interests to support her.

It's clear where Cabrini's motivation comes from and the huge crucifix on her chest seems to shine extra brightly every time she takes on a new challenge - whether it is descending into the sewers of Five Points to rescue orphans or gate crashing the Italian parliament to lambast the senators for not caring for their countrymen in the slums of New York. Monteverde comments: "Her whole life is a prayer. If we could live just 10% of the way she lived her life, we would be living in a way better world."

Monteverde, however is anxious not to be labelled as a Christian film maker, not wanting one suspects to be confined to a niche faith market. He can't hide his positive world view, however, which comes out in all his films and his belief in the power of good to affect change. This is no doubt influenced by his Latino Catholic background.

It was watching 'Schindler's List' 30 years ago, about an unlikely and flawed hero, who saved the lives of 10,000 Jews during the Second World War, that changed the direction of Monteverde's life, as a young film maker. He comments: "I remember leaving the theatre and realising that up until that point that I was totally self centred and living purely to satisfy my own ego, I started to ask myself deeper questions - What am I doing for the well being of others on this earth? I saw the power of cinema and I realised I wanted to make those kind of movies."

Eduardo Verastergui, an actor from his home town, was also questioning mainstream Hollywood values and together with film executive, Leo Severino, the trio decided to set up Metanoia films with the aim of making entertaining but life enhancing films.

Monteverde says: "All the stories that I have made so far are not stories that I was looking out to make, but they were stories that came knocking at my door."

The four films that Metanoia have produced over the last 12 years have all been very different. At their heart, however, they are about individuals who sacrifice themselves for the good of others - whether it is for a single young pregnant mum as in 'Bella' or for thousands of poor people - as in Cabrini.

Monteverde says: "When I read a screenplay, I let the story tell me how it needs to be told. I believe we listen with our eyes. With Cabrini I knew I would have to overcome people's prejudices about coming to see a film about a nun, in case it would be too preachy."

He felt Cabrini's life and vision were so huge that the story merited an almost operatic tone. This is accentuated in the carefully choreographed exquisite long takes as well as the dramatic show downs and rousing musical score. He says: "She was a builder and a strategist and I wanted to convey this is in the sub text of the film too.

"There are definitely films that are more neo realistic and some stories need that but in this case I wanted to use the power of beauty to tell her story and create a moving painting of her life. When you go to the opera it is another kind of language and a deeper truth."

Cabrini is very much based on fact and research says Monteverde. "She really did do all those things and say those things. We just told her origin story but she did so much more."

He said that many of those who have seen the film have commented on how much the film has inspired them. I can vouch for this as two of the friends who came with me last week were both facing extremely challenging life situations. They both loved the film and commented, how encouraging it had been to them personally, inspiring them to keep going and not give up.

So as the skies around us get darker, maybe the Holy Spirit has raised up a new Frank Capra for our age to give us hope and believe we can make a difference.

Hear the podcast for Kristina's interview with Alejandro Monteverde: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/radio-maria-england/episodes/SPECIAL---Kristina-Cooper-Interview-with-Alejandro-Monteverde---CABRINI-e2hi10s