Fathom Entertainment has acquired U.S. theatrical distribution rights to the French docudrama “Sacred Heart,” setting a limited release for June 9–11 and June 14.
Directed and produced by Steven Gunnell and Sabrina Gunnell of KREA Film-Makers, the film explores the origins and enduring significance of the Catholic devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, rooted in the 17th-century visions of Margaret Mary Alacoque in Paray-le-Monial, France.
Blending dramatized sequences with commentary from clergy, historians and theologians, “Sacred Heart” also incorporates contemporary testimonials from individuals reflecting on the devotion’s impact. The film will screen in both English-dubbed and Spanish-language versions across its four-day U.S. run.
Originally released in France in October 2025, the film drew close to 1 million admissions across Europe, positioning it as a breakout success in the faith-based space. Saje Distribution handled the film’s European rollout.
“The world is dying from not knowing it is loved by God,” said the Gunnells in a statement. “This film is simply an answer and an invitation — an invitation toward this divine love.”
The project was inspired by the Gunnells’ visit to religious sites in Burgundy, including Paray-le-Monial, where the historical events depicted in the film are said to have taken place. Their work continues to focus on faith-driven storytelling through their production banner.
Following the feature, U.S. screenings will include a bonus segment featuring clergy and lay voices discussing the modern relevance of the Sacred Heart devotion, including commentary tied to a planned consecration effort by U.S. Catholic bishops timed to the film’s release window.
Monday, April 6
Tribeca Studios And Lilly Announce Winners Of Inaugural Vital Stories Filmmaker Program Aiming to Represent Disease in Media
Tribeca Studios has announced that the short films “Run It Back,” “Do I Know You From Somewhere?,” and “Reconstructing Charlie” have been selected as part of the studio’s inaugural Vital Stories filmmaker program.
The initiative is in partnership with the medicine company Lilly and aims to empower emerging filmmakers to more “accurately and authentically represent disease in content.”
The selected winners were chosen following a creative summit hosted by Tribeca Studios in Fall 2025, where 19 film teams received mentorship, workshops, and industry guidance 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 the 2026 Tribeca Festival, after which, the projects will be supported through advanced development as longer-form content.
Vital Stories was launched in 2025 in response to a study sponsored by Lilly, which revealed that characters with five of America’s most prevalent conditions, including obesity, cancer, dementia, diabetes, and atopic dermatitis, rarely appear on screen in film and television.
“This dynamic work with Lilly has enabled us to move beyond conversation and into real creative action,” said Bryce Norbitz, Vice President of Tribeca Studios & Artist Development. “The projects that emerged from this year’s program reaffirm what Vital Stories is all about — championing bold, nuanced, and genuinely entertaining work that reflects lived experiences too often missing from our screens.”
George Takei to Be Honored at The Asian Law Caucus’ Anniversary Gala
George Takei will be honored with the Champion for Justice Award at the Asian Law Caucus’ 54th Anniversary Gala. The event will take place on Friday in San Francisco.
Takei will be honored for his contributions to advancing civil rights, social justice and LGBTQ+ equality through roles like “Star Trek” and authoring a number of bestselling books. As a child, Takei and his family were incarcerated during World War II, an experience that has shaped his commitment to elevating stories focusing on identity and resilience.
“To be recognized by the Asian Law Caucus is both a profound honor and a solemn reminder of the work that remains, as our fundamental rights are being challenged at the highest level,” said Takei in a statement “I have seen in my own lifetime what happens when fear is allowed to eclipse justice and I have also witnessed the power of collective action. I stand with the Asian Law Caucus in the ongoing pursuit of equality, not only for Asian Americans but for all Americans.”
At the gala, Representative Pramila Jayapal will also be interviewed by journalist Wendy Tokuda in a fireside chat discussing democracy and protecting immigrant communities. The event aims to bring together community leaders, advocates and supporters to celebrate ALC’s ongoing work.
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