St. Maximilian Kolbe and Triumph of the Heart: Behind the Scenes

Go behind the scenes of 'Triumph of the Heart' as the filmmakers share how suffering, prayer, and craft shaped a moving portrait of St. Maximilian Kolbe’s final days—and an encounter with hope.

Deacon Mike Beauvais talks with writer-director Anthony D'Ambrosio and producer Cecilia Stevenson about “Triumph of the Heart,” a tightly focused, character-driven film on the final days of St. Maximilian Kolbe. Anthony traces his path from seminary and serious illness to rediscovering God’s love through Kolbe’s witness and the mystery of suffering and natural evil. Cecilia pulls back the curtain on indie filmmaking in Poland—casting, shaved heads, VFX beards, housing a large crew, and the providences that kept production moving. They explain why the story centers on one decisive act of love, with lessons from “The Passion of the Christ” and the power of confined dramas like “12 Angry Men.” The team reflects on prayer, spiritual warfare, and an emotional premiere on the eve of Kolbe’s feast day. Follow the show, rate and review, and share with a friend.

00:00 - Welcome and guest introductions 01:19 - Cecilia’s faith journey: from rules to relationship 03:30 - Anthony’s path: seminary, illness, and hard questions 07:34 - Kolbe’s final days inspire the script 14:42 - Why focus on the cell; film as the right medium 20:32 - Casting and production challenges in Poland 30:34 - Prayer, spiritual warfare, and God’s timing 35:56 - Premiere night in Poland

Film site and screenings: https://www.triumphoftheheart.com/

Video version: https://youtu.be/ibkwRfuLFOU

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