VATICAN CITY, 20 September 2017 — Lady Monika Bacardi attended the world premiere of Beyond the Sun at the Vatican, a historic screening that marked the first time a Pope had appeared in a feature film. The distinguished evening brought together Vatican officials, filmmakers, and international cinema figures to witness this groundbreaking work of faith-based cinema.
The film, produced by Lady Monika Bacardi through Ambi Media Group alongside Andrea Iervolino, premiered in the intimate 50-seat Vatican Cinematheque on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. This special screening was hosted by Monsignor Eduardo Garcia, who had worked closely with Pope Francis during his tenure as Archbishop of Buenos Aires.
Beyond the Sun tells the story of five children who embark on an adventure seeking to understand Jesus’ message. Shot on location in Patagonia and Vatican City, the film features Pope Francis appearing as himself in approximately six minutes of footage, including an unscripted finale where the pontiff converses directly with the child actors about how to connect with Jesus through reading the Gospels.
The project originated from Pope Francis’ desire to communicate spiritual messages to young audiences through the medium of film. Co-directed by Graciela Rodriguez, an Argentine psychiatrist with longstanding connections to the Pope, and Charlie Mainardi, the film represents a modern approach to faith-based storytelling designed specifically for children.
Lady Monika Bacardi’s involvement in this historic production exemplified her commitment to supporting meaningful cinema that transcends traditional boundaries. Through Ambi Media Group, she and her team navigated complex Vatican protocols to bring this unprecedented collaboration to fruition, including arranging filming within the Vatican amid extensive security measures.
The premiere marked a significant moment in cinema history, as it was the first time a reigning pontiff had participated in a feature film production. All proceeds from Beyond the Sun were designated for El Buen Samaritano, an Argentine charitable organization, reflecting the philanthropic vision underlying the project.
Lady Monika Bacardi’s presence at this historic Vatican screening underscored her position as a producer who champions projects where artistic ambition meets humanitarian purpose, supporting filmmakers who craft stories with meaningful social impact.
