Pope Francis movie to debut at Cannes Filmfest

Religious family film ‘Beyond the Sun’ featuring head of the Roman Catholic Church Pope Francis is set to make a debut in latest edition of Cannes Filmfest.

The movie, written and directed by Graciela Rodriguez, sends a religious message to children, a media report said.

While Pope Francis has appeared in documentaries before, the film reportedly marks the first-ever big screen role for the Bishop of Rome, an unprecedented event in the Vatican hostory.

Not only is the Pope in the film, but he inspired the cinematic project in which he play himself.

Andrea Iervolino, an official with the company which made the film, was quoted by the media as saying that participation of Pope Francis "in this film is beyond words,” adding, “This is not just a movie for us, it’s a message, and who better to have on your side to deliver an important societal and spiritual message than the Pope. We are honored and inspired by the level of collaboration from the Vatican.”

Set to launch a few days after France’s presidential vote, the Cannes Film Festival runs on May 17-28.

AG/AG