The movie producer of 'Cabrini' addresses criticism that the film does not adequately portray the nun's faith and motivation.

The film "Cabrini" is receiving praise for its cinematography, performances, and narrative.

Critics from the faith media have given some of the most scathing reviews of the film.

Is Cabrini a "feminist Social Justice Warrior" or a "Catholic Saint"?

An EWTN critique said the movie is "gutted of religious meaning."

Fr. Henry Graebe of Catholic World Report noted in his review that the film lacked certain essential qualities for those seeking sainthood, such as holiness and prayerfulness.

The movie portrays the hardships faced by Mother Cabrini, who, born as Frances Xavier Cabrini, was an Italian woman and the youngest of 13 siblings, eventually becoming a Catholic nun.

Her feistiness was enhanced by the film, allowing her to overcome her weak health and challenge the power of the Catholic Church and the City of New York to construct orphanages, hospitals, and schools.

She alleviated the poverty of numerous Italian immigrant children, many of whom were abandoned or orphaned on the city's streets.

In the late 1800s, Mother Cabrini, an immigrant to the U.S., became the first American saint. She established the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The film's producer Eduardo Verastigui said that in filmmaking, the better philosophy is to "show" rather than "tell."

The film fails to mention the name of Jesus and does not depict Mother Cabrini praying the rosary or engaging in any prayer scenes.

In filmmaking, it's better to "show" than "tell," according to Eduardo Verastigui, the film's producer, in a recent episode of "Lighthouse Faith" podcast.

Verastigui stated that making a movie that is not a documentary and not a TV series with 100 hours to tell a story is challenging for both the writer and director since they only have two hours to convey the story.

You know what you are going to leave behind, but what are you going to choose?

Many faith-based media intentionally omitted any mention of Cabrini's religious background.

The movie is about a woman who did incredible work — a woman "who happened to be a nun."

During a fall screening, the film's financier emphasized that the movie centers on a woman who accomplished remarkable feats — a woman "who just so happened to be a nun."

In her Washington Times review, Madeline Kearns paraphrased Mother Cabrini's motivation.

She said, "I appeal to the zeal of Christian women who love Jesus, to stir into action the sacred flame burning within them, and move them with compassion for our many poor, abandoned brothers who have also been redeemed by the Precious Blood of Jesus."

"Let us all become part of our ranks to acquire a substantial number of souls to offer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus."

Angel Studios is the production house behind the film.

It has never shied away from being upfront about faith.

In addition to producing "The Chosen," a successful and popular series about the life of Jesus, Verastigui's production group also released the film "The Sound of Freedom," starring Jim Caviezal as an agent rescuing children from sex traffickers.

He is a man of faith who grew up Catholic in Mexico and began his career as a singer.

He eventually began acting in Mexican soap operas and later came to America to test the waters of Hollywood. A woman he met who became his English teacher challenged him to dig deeper into his soul.

Verastigue stated that the Socratic method used by her to teach English had a profound impact on her life. She asked questions such as "What is the purpose of your life?" and "What do you want to achieve in your life?" to help her understand her own goals and aspirations. Additionally, she encouraged her students to reflect on how they were using their talents and whether they were contributing to the greater good or causing harm.

It was a pivotal period for Verastigui, he related.

"I vowed to God never to utilize my abilities to displease my faith, family, or Latino culture again."

The vow was easier said than done.

Verastigue didn't work for four years, but then he met directors Alejandor Monteverde and Leo Severino, who formed Metanoia Films with him.

Verastigui, as an actor, didn't have the ability to control the message like they did. Their first project was a small-budget 2006 release called "Bella," about a chef with a mysterious past, who "spends the day with a waitress who needs a friend."

"Cabrini" has all the imagery of Catholicism. It has nuns in full habit, crosses and crucifixes.

In 2015, the company released a film titled "Little Boy" which portrays an eight-year-old boy who is determined to do everything in his power to put an end to World War II so that he can reunite with his father.

The release of "The Sound of Freedom" was delayed due to the pandemic and corporate sales and takeovers, but the film was eventually completed and released last year.

The imagery of Catholicism is present in "Cabrini," with nuns in full habit and crosses and crucifixes, but its script is filled with 21st century feminist memes.

Kearns, in her review, pointed to one glaring example.

In one scene, Mother Cabrini (Cristiana Dell’Anna) addresses her sisters who are accompanying her to New York, stating, "The absence of men will put us at a disadvantage. We must rely on our own strength and the purpose of our mission."

Kearns stated that the "actual Mother Cabrini said to her sisters on Sept. 13, 1894, when she departed from Genoa, Italy, to New York, "Remember that whoever relies on God and trusts in herself has nothing to fear, for when stripped of self, she becomes strong with the strength of God. With humility and trust, she overcomes every obstacle."

Verastigui admitted that they made a film that no feminist could object to.

In Mexico, a feminist movement is already rallying against the film.

He didn't mention any names but stated, "It was reported that this film portrays empowered women, which some people believe should not be seen because they think it's propaganda about religion."

Said Verastriqui, "It's not propaganda."

At least it's not propaganda about the Catholic faith.

One might contend that the message conveyed is propaganda promoting self-confidence in women, rather than reliance on God.

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