Fathom Entertainment has acquired the U.S. theatrical distribution rights to the French docudrama “Sacred Heart,” and has decided to release it for a limited time on June 9-11 and June 14.
Directed and produced by KREA Film-Makers’ Steven Gunnell and Sabrina Gunnell, the film explores the origins and enduring significance of the Catholic faith in the Sacred Heart of Jesus, rooted in the 17th-century vision of Margaret Mary Alacoque of Palais-le-Monial, France.
Combining dramatic sequences with commentary by clergy, historians, and theologians, “Sacred Heart” also incorporates contemporary testimonies from individuals reflecting the influence of their devotions. The film will be screened in both English-dubbed and Spanish-language versions during its four-day run in the United States.
The film was originally released in France in October 2025 and was a breakthrough success in the faith-based sector, attracting close to 1 million admissions across Europe. Saje Distribution handled the film’s European release.
“The world is dying without knowing that it is loved by God,” the Gunnells said in a statement. “This film is just an answer, an invitation. An invitation to this divine love.”
The project was inspired by the Gunnels’ visits to Burgundy’s religious sites, including Paraille-le-Monial, where the historical events depicted in the film are said to have taken place. Their work continues to focus on faith-based storytelling through their production banners.
Following this feature, U.S. screenings will include a bonus segment featuring voices from clergy and laity discussing the contemporary relevance of Sacred Heart Devotion. This includes commentary related to consecration activities planned by Catholic bishops in the United States to coincide with the film’s release.
Monday, April 6th
Tribeca Studios and Lilly announce winners of first-ever Vital Stories filmmaker program aimed at representing illness in media
Tribeca Studios announced that the short films “Run It Back,” “Do I Know You From Somewhere?” and “Reconstructing” have been selected as part of the studio’s inaugural Charlie Vital Stories Filmmaker Program.
The initiative, in partnership with pharmaceutical company Lilly, aims to help emerging filmmakers “more accurately and authentically represent diseases in their content.”
Selected winners were selected following a creative summit hosted by Tribeca Studio in fall 2025. At the summit, 19 film teams received mentorship, workshops, and industry mentorship from both the entertainment and medical fields. The three winning projects will receive end-to-end production support, including development funding, mentorship from Tribeca Studios and industry leaders, and a guaranteed world premiere at Tribeca Festival in 2026, after which the projects will be supported through advanced development as long-form content.
Vital Stories was launched in 2025 in response to a study sponsored by Lilly that revealed that characters with five of America’s most prevalent diseases, including obesity, cancer, dementia, diabetes, and atopic dermatitis, were underrepresented on screen in movies and television.
“Working dynamically with Lily allowed us to move beyond conversation to actual creative action,” said Bryce Norbitz, VP of Tribeca Studio & Artist Development. “The projects emerging from this year’s program reaffirm what Vital Stories stands for: championing bold, nuanced, and genuinely funny work that reflects lived experiences that are often lost on our screens.”
The Vital Stories winners were selected by a jury consisting of actor, writer, and producer Yvette Nicole Brown (“Community,” “Zootopia 2”); Amanda Farland, Executive Vice President, Brand and Business Development, Imagine Entertainment; Stacey Walker King, Macro Chief Brand Officer. Lina Polimeni Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Consumer;
UTA represented Lilly and brokered the partnership between Tribeca and Lilly.
George Takei honored at Asian Law Caucus commemoration ceremony
George Takei will receive the Champion for Justice Award at the Asian Legislators’ 54th Anniversary Ceremony. The event will be held in San Francisco on Friday.
Takei will be honored for his contributions to advancing civil rights, social justice, and LGBTQ+ equality through his roles on films such as Star Trek and as the author of numerous best-selling books. As a child, Takei and his family were imprisoned during World War II, an experience that shaped his determination to elevate stories focused on identity and resilience.
“Being recognized by the Asian Law Caucus at a time when our fundamental rights are being challenged at the highest level is both a deep honor and a solemn reminder of the work that remains. I have seen in my lifetime what happens when fear overshadows justice, and I have also witnessed the power of collective action. I support the Asian Law Caucus as it continues to pursue equality, not just for Asian Americans, but for all Americans,” Takei said in a statement.
During the celebration, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal will also be interviewed by journalist Wendy Tokuda for a fireside conversation discussing democracy and protecting immigrant communities. This event is designed to bring together community leaders, advocates, and supporters to celebrate ALC’s continued work.
