Industrious Family Fun Films Blog

Mar 24, 2025

🎙️ New Episode of Gofers Get a Grip! 🎉

This week, we’re talking about everything from nostalgic movies to life on the farm:

🐾 Saying goodbye to old dogs & a worm-eating pup
🎭 Acting club & memory games
🔥 Burning brush, owl nests, & fox hunting
📽️ The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe (70s cartoon, BBC 80s, Disney 2005)
🎬 The NeverEnding Story, The Shaggy Dog, & Colin Firth’s Secret Garden
🏋️‍♂️ Hitting the gym & Fabiola Lenten Crowdfunding

Join us for a fun episode packed with stories and memories!

👉 Listen here...

Mar 24, 2025

Check Out My Latest Article on 1Peter5: The Heart of Quo Vadis

Mary here, and I’m excited to announce that my newest book analysis article is now on 1Peter5! In this piece, I dive into Henryk Sienkiewicz’s powerful portrayal of three distinct relationships in Quo Vadis—each representing different aspects of love and virtue amidst the turmoil of Nero’s Rome.

If you're interested in literature that explores love and virtue, I encourage you to check out my article. These timeless themes make Quo Vadis as compelling today as it was when it was first written.

Read the full article on 1Peter5 here

Mar 21, 2025

Join Us in Bringing Fabiola to Life: A Christ-Centered Film Journey

Development for Fabiola is coming along. We are excited to shoot and release scenes of the full film for contributors and investors to preview. Our long-term goal is to create an official Fabiola movie trailer.

As we build connections, we’ve seen firsthand that many hands make light work. We’re thankful for the friendships we’ve forged along the way. We invite you to prayerfully consider whether Our Lord is calling you to support this mission field of media. We hope you share our excitement about this film, continue backing it, and see its completion.

You’ll see new faces from Industrious Family as we collaborate with actors and team members, all helping us expand our reach to make this and future Christ-centered films.

Learn more at fabiolamovie.com

Mar 21, 2025

Celebrating Our Collaborators: Alejandro Rodriguez

Today, we want to highlight the fantastic contributions of Alejandro Rodriguez, a key member of our Fabiola team. Alejandro Rodriguez first reached out to us through the Catholic Creators platform, offering his editing skills for our project. It was the first time we had ever considered letting someone edit our footage, and while it was a bit nerve-racking, we realized that allowing talented volunteers to contribute would only benefit the project.

Not long after our film week, we sent the raw footage to Alejandro Rodriguez. Incredibly, he had a rough draft ready before we had even recovered from the filming process! One of his personal touches—the Song of Solomon slide at the end of the scene—was a beautiful addition that we absolutely loved. Alejandro Rodriguez worked closely with Aaron Kessler on the coloring side and then plugged in the music once it was finalized.

In addition to editing, Alejandro Rodriguez polished and completed the three dubbed versions of the Pilot scene. His commitment to the project didn’t stop there—he also expressed interest in acting, and we’re thrilled that he’ll be fulfilling the role of both lead editor and Torquatus, whom he has nicknamed "the Judas character".

Today, Alejandro Rodriguez eagerly anticipates his upcoming scenes and continues to help spread the word about the project through social media. His dedication and passion for this film are truly appreciated.

Thank you, Alejandro Rodriguez, for everything you do!

Mar 20, 2025

📬 Join the In-Crowd with Our Free Newsletter!

Stay up-to-date with all things Industrious Family Films! Sign up for the Industrious Family Films Journal and get exclusive updates every Thursday right to your inbox. 📅What’s inside?

✨ Behind-the-scenes news on our movie productions (including FABIOLA!)

🎞️ New videos, podcast episodes, and more

🎥 Movie reviews and immersive experiences

💬 PLUS—you can reply to our newsletters and let us know how we’re doing!

Don’t miss out—make your inbox awesome and stay connected! Sign up today/

Mar 20, 2025

Fabiola Contribution Perks for Lent

If you contribute to Fabiola this Lent, we will offer a spiritual bouquet for you!

3 Hail Marys for contributions under $100

A Rosary for contributions between $100 and $500

A Rosary Novena for contributions over $500

Since Fabiola is a part of the Christ-centered counter revolution it is a great cause to give your Lenten alms to. So help us transform the culture by contributing to Fabiola today.

Mar 19, 2025

Keep Us On The Web By Sponsoring Industrious Family

Industrious Family is currently looking for Catholic businesses to sponsor the site. While we are working hard on getting Fabiola funded, we still need support for our main company, so if you feel so called, sponsor Industrious Family and promote your company while supporting Catholic art.

Right now, we have a special $20 a week sponsorship. With this sponsorship, your company will get a social media post on all our accounts, a YouTube short by Faustina, a mention on "Gofers Get a Grip", a sitewide ad on IndustriousFamily.com through the week, and an ad on our newsletter.

Sponsorships are how we keep Industrious Family running and on the web. Thank you for considering sponsoring our site.

Don't have a business to promote but still want to sponsor? No problem! Consider putting an ad up for your favorite Catholic company or promoting your favorite devotion.

Mar 19, 2025

Join the Fray Alongside Martyrs and Cardinals

Although we often discuss how Ancient Rome during Fabiola is much like our own time, there is another pivotal piece of this puzzle I feel that we have not talked often enough about.

Faustina here today to share a little nugget I recently discovered. Long ago, Mary researched about the book's author, but it wasn't until last week that I heard an interesting thing about him that I would like to discuss now.

Cardinal Wiseman was living in a time where the media of his day, books for the most part, was not fit to be enjoyed by Christian audiences. And so, much like how Industrious Family Films is today, he set out to lend his talents to reverse the trend. He began to write books that were full of the stories of Christian heroes.

The novel Fabiola was a result of this effort.

Industrious Family, Cardinal Wiseman and the saints portrayed in Fabiola have more than one thing in common but there is one I want to focus on today and that is that we are all striving in our own times to bring the good and the beautiful forth into a darkened and sinful world.

Sts. Sebastian, Pancratius and Agnes live their lives in a pagan world where watching children torn to pieces by wild beasts entertains the masses. They do what they can to be a light shining in this darkness - to influence those around them by their beautiful lives.

Cardinal Wiseman lived in a time when this paganism was being glorified as something valuable and wonderful. He even wrote Fabiola as a challenge to this ideology. With the Enlightenment taking Europe by storm 100 years earlier, he knew that it was time to begin pumping true history and beautiful portrayals of the martyrs into people's entertainment.

We are now living in a post-Christian society where every old vice and sin from past ages is resurfacing and pretending to be new. Join Industrious Family Films as we engage in the battle by making Catholic films. Hollywood produces entertainment akin to the Enlightenment and Ancient Rome and now is the time to stand with the saints and Cardinal Wiseman to fight against it for our children's innocence.

There's no better time than now to contribute to Fabiola. If you contribute through Lent, we will be offering spiritual bouquets for our contributors. Because we believe in spiritual warfare as well as fighting for the social reign of Christ the King.

Join the movement by supporting the Fabiola film today. Fight the good fight. You are in good company.

Mar 18, 2025

Bring Outlaws of Ravenhurst to Life: Stage Script Now Available for Schools, Homeschool Groups, and Families!

Is your school planning a spring play? Does your homeschool group or co-op enjoy performing? Maybe your kids love to put on their own dramatic shows! We’ve adapted our popular Outlaws of Ravenhurst script specifically for the stage—perfect for Catholic performances! This engaging script offers an exciting opportunity for young actors to step into a world of adventure and faith.

Our 60-page script follows the thrilling journey of George Abel, a young boy living a peaceful life in colonial America until his estranged uncle, Sir Roger, arrives to claim him. Taken to Scotland, George is expected to become the Protestant Earl of Ravenhurst, but Sir Roger’s schemes and the cunning Godfrey face resistance from the boy. As tensions rise, George and the outlawed clan of Ravenhurst fight to uphold their faith in the dangerous aftermath of the Protestant Revolt.

Based on the beloved novel by Sr. M. Imelda Wallace, Outlaws of Ravenhurst is packed with brave heroes, devious villains, sword fights, and secret passages. This story of courage and devotion will captivate audiences of all ages!

Order your downloadable script today and bring this timeless tale of faith and adventure to the stage!

Mar 18, 2025

Thank You for Your Support Last Week!

Happy to join our new Fulvius, Kaleb McConner, in announcing that we raised $500 for the Fabiola film last week. Thank you so much!

This Lent, we are planning to reach the first $9,000 for Fabiola and we have already raised $2,764. If you give this Lent, not only are you giving to the movement that is transforming the culture through film, but you will also get a spiritual bouquet at each giving level.

If you contribute up to $100, our team will pray three Hail Marys for you. If you contribute between $100 and $500, we will pray a Rosary for you. If you are a contributor of $500 or more we will be praying a 54 Day Rosary Novena for your intentions.

So please in your almsgiving this Lent consider giving to Fabiola.

Join the movement.

#industriousfamily #fabiolamovie #faithandfilm

Mar 17, 2025

Looking For Something Special To Watch This St. Patrick’s Day? ☘️

Check out Lest We Remember, a new short film made by Irish filmmakers. 🎥 An Irish soldier returning from WWI stumbles upon an unfinished piece of music, leading him to confront his past.

With mystery, history, and a subtle ghostly presence, this film is perfect for the weekend.✨

Subscribe to Industrious Family Theater for just $12/year and enjoy Lest We Remember and more inspiring films!

Mar 17, 2025

🎙️ New Episode of Gofers Get a Grip! 🎉

In this special St. Patrick’s Day episode, we dive deep into Irish movies to watch for the holiday, including classics like Darby O'Gill and the Little People and Red Hugh. ☘️

Other fun topics include:

💻 Computer work & sound systems

🐾 Kittens, baby goats, & life on the hobby farm

✈️ Cargo jets, walking on the tracks, & death in tunnels

🚓 Getting pulled over (again) & passing funeral processions

🎬 Lest We Remember, Miss Potter, Seabiscuit, & more!

Tune in for a blend of St. Patrick’s Day recommendations and life stories!

👉 Listen here

Mar 14, 2025

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day With A Touch of Irish Magic – New Short Film Now Streaming!

Looking for something special to watch this St. Patrick’s Day weekend? Though not directly about St. Patrick, the Theater’s latest short film is a perfect fit for the occasion!

Made by Irish filmmakers and featuring the talents of Conall Palin and Catherine Maher, this film carries the charm and mystery that Ireland is known for.

In this captivating short film, an Irish soldier returning from WWI stumbles upon a mysterious, unfinished piece of music.

As he’s confronted with echoes of the past, he must make a difficult choice about where his true loyalties lie. It’s a tale filled with reflection, history, and a subtle ghostly presence that will leave viewers intrigued.

This St. Patrick’s Day weekend, why not dive into a film that blends Irish storytelling with a touch of magic?

Subscribe to Industrious Family Theater for just $12/year to watch this new short, along with a growing library of films that inspire and uplift.

Make this weekend special with an unforgettable Irish film experience—don’t miss it!

Mar 13, 2025

Lighting the FABIOLA Prison Scene: Our Journey to Perfecting Light on Set

One of the standout elements of the FABIOLA prison scene has been the praise we’ve received for the lighting. Achieving this, however, was no small feat. Lighting is something we've struggled with in past films—it was always difficult to make it look good, and setting it up took so much time. But for this project, we decided to make a crucial change that paid off significantly.

In the past, we used a Neewer Photography light kit, which we eventually parted ways with. Instead, we invested in a 5-piece GVM light set, and it has transformed how we approach lighting on set. The new kit comes with a wide range of features, but the temperature and color knobs on the back of each panel have been absolute game-changers. The ability to adjust both features made it easier to create the perfect atmosphere for the prison scene. The kit also includes a slave/master feature, which saved us time on numerous occasions by allowing us to control multiple lights simultaneously.

For the prison scene, it was essential to convey the idea that most of the light was emanating from St. Agnes. To achieve this, we intentionally darkened the hallway where Fulvius and Fabiola stand, visually representing the spiritual darkness in their souls. The light streaming through the windows behind Agnes was warm, mimicking the natural glow of morning or evening sunlight, which helped further enhance the emotional tone of the scene.

For the first time, we implemented a delicate technique to light the backs of the actors’ heads, ensuring they didn’t disappear into the shadowed backgrounds. We used small handheld lights to create this subtle yet crucial effect, which helped add depth and dimension to each shot.

We spent countless hours tweaking the lighting even before the actors arrived on set. This preparation allowed us to work without the pressure of time constraints, resulting in a far smoother production experience.

Looking back, we’re more than satisfied with the final results. The new lighting kit has given us the tools to elevate the visual storytelling in FABIOLA, and we can’t wait to experiment further with lighting in our next scene.

If you want to help us bring this next scene to life, please consider contributing to the FABIOLA project today. Your support makes all the difference!

Mar 12, 2025

#ReclaimChristianArt Blog: Scottish Dinner Party

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I receive a small commission if you purchase items on this page at no extra cost to you.

Are you planning a Scottish party this spring? Whether you’re celebrating the cultural legacy of Outlaws of Ravenhurst or gearing up for a traditional Burns Supper, there’s no better way to immerse yourself in Scottish history and culture than by throwing an unforgettable party. This exciting story, set in Scotland during the turbulent 17th century, provides the perfect backdrop for celebrating the vibrant heritage of the Celtic people.

A Scottish party brings rich traditions to life. Imagine gathering with friends and family for a night filled with the sounds of bagpipes, the taste of haggis, and poetry readings in the spirit of Robert Burns. And, of course, no Scottish celebration is complete without Highland yard games like the caber toss or tug of war—activities that channel the energy of the highlands.

If you love Outlaws of Ravenhurst as much as we do, hosting a themed party is a great way to engage with the story and create lasting memories with loved ones. The epic journey of the Gordon family comes alive through an authentic Scottish celebration, connecting you to the bravery and perseverance featured in the novel and movie.

But while planning your Highland Games or setting the table for a Burns Supper, one crucial detail often gets overlooked—ice. Yes, ice. If there’s one lesson we’ve learned from throwing parties, it’s that you can never have enough of it! Imagine running out of ice in the middle of your celebration when everyone’s enjoying cold drinks and toasts to good health. It’s a simple element, but a lack of ice can really put a damper on your gathering, especially during warmer months.

For this reason, we highly recommend investing in an ice machine before your next party. Whether you're hosting a spring celebration or preparing for summer, having plenty of ice on hand is essential to keep your guests refreshed and your party running smoothly. It's a smart addition that will ensure your Scottish-themed event goes off without a hitch!

So, whether you're planning to honor Outlaws of Ravenhurst with an immersive Scottish experience or just want to enjoy a lively Highland Games, be sure to stay prepared with all the essentials—including an ice machine.

Visit our page to learn more about planning your Scottish bash and browse our tips for creating an experience that will make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time to the rolling hills of Scotland.

Mar 12, 2025

Cardinal Wiseman and Fabiola: A Catholic Classic in Literature

Cardinal Nicholas Wiseman, author of the beloved novel Fabiola, was a significant figure in 19th-century Catholicism and a key force in elevating Catholic literature in England. Born to Irish immigrants and raised in Spain, his diverse background shaped his rich cultural and spiritual outlook. After his ordination, he became the first Archbishop of Westminster after the Protestant Revolt, restoring the Catholic hierarchy in England.

Wiseman’s influence extended beyond England, helping establish the English College in Rome and converting hundreds of Protestants through his powerful sermons. Alongside Sir Walter Scott, Wiseman played a major role in shaping a Catholic literary tradition. His novel Fabiola was written as a challenge to a book that glorified paganism, offering instead a moving portrayal of early Christian martyrs. It was a favorite of St. Thérèse of Lisieux and remains popular, particularly among Catholic homeschooling families today.

The novel’s themes of sacrifice and faith make Fabiola a timeless piece of Catholic literature. Its message of strength in the face of persecution continues to inspire readers, reminding us of the transformative power of faith. As we work to bring this inspiring story to life on film, we invite you to join us in making FABIOLA a reality. Your contribution will help us tell a story that reflects the courage, sacrifice, and faithfulness of early Christians. Support our project today and be part of something truly special!

Mar 11, 2025

🎙️ New Episode of Gofers Get a Grip! 🎉

In this episode, the team dives into:

📽️ Parish presentations & new scenes🍕 Pizza deliveries & tips🎬 Films like Gods and Generals, preserving history on screen📚 Jane Austen, Walter Scott⚔️ General Lee & the Civil War🐾 Kittens

It's a fun mix of history, film, and a bit of farm life!

Listen to today's episode here.

Mar 11, 2025

Meet the Talented Cast of FABIOLA: Join Us in Bringing This Epic Story to Life!

We are thrilled to have a talented group of actors lined up for FABIOLA. Emily Hawk will play the lead role of Fabiola, a proud and philosophical Roman noblewoman, while Kaleb McConner steps into the role of Fulvius, the film's cunning antagonist. Nathan Feurstenau will bring humor to the story as the base and foolish Corvinus. Together, Fulvius and Corvinus will manipulate Torquatus, played by Alejandro Rodriguez, into betraying Christians for profit.

On the side of the saints, beloved Church martyrs and heroes will be brought to life by our incredible cast: Kate Witkemper as the innocent St. Agnes, Francis Thomas as the brave St. Sebastian, and Declan Bowen as the young St. Pancratius. Megan Mullaney will play the wise and gentle Syra, who plays a pivotal role in Fabiola’s conversion.

We can't wait to bring these talented actors together in FABIOLA, and you can help make it happen. Contribute to this project today and be part of something truly special!

Mar 10, 2025

Support Christian Art: Sponsor IndustriousFamily.com!

Many thanks to our advertising sponsors and affiliates—without you, we could not produce faith-based films or maintain this website. Your support is critical to our mission.

We are excited to offer you the opportunity to join us in rebuilding Christian art by becoming an Industrious Family Films' Sponsor. By sponsoring us, you directly contribute to promoting Catholic family life and wholesome entertainment.

Our website receives many visitors each month—and that number is steadily growing! Your 600x125 px ad will be prominently featured on every page of our site, near the first fold, ensuring maximum visibility.

In addition to website placement, your ad will be featured in the top section of our weekly "Journal," sent to hundreds of households. Over the course of 12 newsletters in the next three months, your brand will be the first thing readers see!

Our audience is primarily Catholics who share our mission of reconstructing the social fabric through healthy and holy families. When you sponsor Industrious Family, you tap into a warm, engaged audience that is already inclined toward family-oriented products and services like yours.

We’ll also feature your brand across our active social media channels:

Mar 07, 2025

Support FABIOLA This Lent: Transforming Culture Through Catholic Film

In your generous almsgiving this Lent, please remember FABIOLA, a Catholic film that is helping transform the culture and making a positive impact. Thank you and God reward you!

Mar 07, 2025

Outlaws of Ravenhurst Film Adaptations

This Outlaws of Ravenhurst book summary and movie review highlight the perseverance needed to stay true to the Faith during persecution, reminding us of our heritage and strength.

Continue reading "Outlaws of Ravenhurst Film Adaptations "

Mar 06, 2025

Treasure Island Film Adaptations

Discover the best Treasure Island film adaptations, from Disney's classic to the Muppet version. Dive into reviews, insights, and timeless pirate adventure!

Continue reading "Treasure Island Film Adaptations"

Mar 05, 2025

New Episode of Gofers Get a Grip! 🎙️

This week, the team covers a lot of ground! Here's what we’re chatting about:

🤒 Getting sick & dealing with staph infection

💼 Marketing meetings & welcoming new team members

🏛️ Prepping for a Colosseum scene & discussing St. Pancratius

🏕️ Dream weekend getaways, 3-day walks & 72-mile hikes

🛤️ Pilgrimages to Chartres & Cataldo

Don’t miss this fun episode!

👉 Listen here...

Mar 03, 2025

Introducing Meghan Mullaney as Syra in FABIOLA

We are thrilled to announce that Meghan Mullaney will be playing the role of Syra in FABIOLA. During auditions, Meghan impressed the casting crew with her versatility and ability to take on any role, but it was her performance as Syra that truly captured our hearts. Meghan’s background in both stage and screen acting, coupled with her studies at John Paul the Great Catholic University—where she is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications Media with an emphasis in Acting—make her a perfect fit for this complex character.

Syra plays a pivotal role in FABIOLA, influencing the main character’s conversion to Christianity. Once the daughter of a wealthy Syrian family, Syra is now a slave serving Fabiola. Despite her own suffering and the hardships she has endured, Syra remains kind-hearted and selfless, always putting the needs of others before her own. Her generosity and quiet strength set her apart, making her a character audiences will both admire and empathize with.

Though she hopes for martyrdom, Syra never expects it to come. Yet, her ultimate sacrifice—laying down her life to protect Fabiola—demonstrates her unwavering faith and loyalty. We look forward to seeing Meghan bring Syra’s meekness, kindness, and self-sacrifice to life on screen in FABIOLA. Learn more about this exciting journey!

Mar 03, 2025

Treasure Island Movie Reviews and Catholic Literary Insights

We’re currently working on a Treasure Island movie reviews, where we’ll cover three different film adaptations and provide a brief literary analysis from a Catholic perspective. If you're a Treasure Island fan, stay tuned! Meanwhile, check out our page of favorite books made into films —a must-see for both book lovers and movie enthusiasts.

Feb 28, 2025

Introducing Kathleen Polocz as Caecilia in FABIOLA

We’re excited to announce that Kathleen Polocz will be playing the beloved role of Caecilia, a blind girl who provides much-needed comedic relief throughout FABIOLA. Caecilia quickly became a fan favorite for those who have read the script, as her lightheartedness and childlike outlook make her a joy to watch. However, her journey is also deeply moving, as she becomes the first character to be martyred in the film. With Kathleen’s extensive experience in musicals, plays, and concerts, we know she’s the perfect fit for this role, and we can’t wait to see her bring Caecilia’s humor and heart to life on screen.

Caecilia offers a unique perspective in FABIOLA that none of the other characters can truly understand. Her blindness gives her a deeply internal and philosophical outlook on life, and her inability to fully grasp the sadness or grief that the other characters experience often leads her to try and cheer them up with her quirky wisdom. Her words frequently hit home in unexpected ways, offering insight even when it’s least expected.

Caecilia is spontaneous, brutally honest, and incredibly creative. She brings light laughter to every scene, often with sarcasm or impulsive commentary that keeps the other characters on their toes. But beneath her unpredictable nature is a deep well of wisdom that fans will love. Her joy, energy, and improvisational personality are contagious, making her one of the film’s most memorable characters.

Kathleen’s performance will showcase the humor, spontaneity, and heart of Caecilia, creating a role that will bring both laughter and emotion to audiences. Stay tuned for more updates on FABIOLA and the journey of this beloved character!

Feb 28, 2025

FABIOLA: A Catholic Film Project with a Mission to Transform Culture

Over the past two years, we have been gathering a dedicated team of Catholics who are passionate about bringing our new film, FABIOLA, to life. This project is more than just a movie—it's part of a mission to transform the culture and bring wholesome Catholic entertainment to the screen. Inspired by the spirit of Pope Pius XI's encyclical letter on the Motion Picture, FABIOLA is our way of answering the call to be missionaries in the film industry.

For far too long, there has been a gap in the market for high-quality, faith-based films. Catholic Action seems to have faded in recent years. But with FABIOLA, we are stepping up to fill this desperate need. Our goal is to provide Catholic stories that are not only clean and entertaining but also deeply rooted in our faith and history.

The story of FABIOLA is one that resonates on many levels. Set in the third century, it follows Fabiola, a pagan Roman noblewoman who is unknowingly surrounded by Christians facing persecution, torture, and death for their faith. As Fabiola becomes more deeply entangled with these courageous individuals, she must confront her own beliefs and the truth she’s been avoiding—choosing between her comfortable pampered life and the self-sacrificing faith of those she admires.

The film features the lives of Saints Sebastian, Agnes, Pancratius, and several fictional characters who play significant roles in Fabiola’s conversion. It’s a story of faith, courage, and conversion that we believe will resonate with today’s audiences. One of the most powerful aspects of FABIOLA is the theme of sacrifice, forgiveness, and the hope that arises even in the darkest moments of history.

While we may not claim to be the wisest Catholics, we firmly believe that, as a community, Catholics have a unique responsibility and wisdom that must be shared.

Interestingly, Mormons and Evangelicals have long filled the clean entertainment space in the film industry, but Catholics have much to offer in this arena. FABIOLA is a response to this need, and our team is driven by a desire to provide stories that are not only morally sound but also spiritually enriching and inspiring.

We are excited to share this project with you, knowing that it’s much more than just a film. It’s a mission to remind the world of the power of Catholic storytelling and to fill a void in the entertainment industry with content that reflects our values and faith. We invite you to join us in bringing FABIOLA to life. Together, we can create a film that not only entertains but also transforms hearts and minds.

Stay tuned for updates as we move forward with production and learn more about how you can be a part of this important work!

Join our crowdfunding campaign.

Feb 27, 2025

Introducing Alejandro Rodriguez as Torquatus in FABIOLA

We’re excited to welcome Alejandro Rodriguez to the cast of FABIOLA as Torquatus, a character who struggles with both bravery and faith. With formal training in acting and directing through the Travis Technique, along with his experience as a writer and director, Alejandro’s passion for storytelling makes him a great choice in bringing Torquatus to life.

Torquatus is a complex character, filled with internal conflict. He is someone who strives for devotion, loyalty, and confidence but fails miserably at embodying these virtues. Instead, he often finds himself trapped by his emotional vulnerability, making him the perfect pawn for the villain Fulvius. Fulvius thrives on manipulating those around him, and Torquatus, with his weak faith, is an easy target.

A key moment in Torquatus' development is a frightening scene in the catacombs that ultimately brings him back to his faith, making him the film’s prodigal son. His journey highlights forgiveness and starting anew, and Alejandro’s portrayal will capture the internal struggle and eventual triumph of this flawed yet fascinating character.

We’re thrilled to have Alejandro on board and can’t wait for audiences to experience his performance as Torquatus!

Feb 27, 2025

Behind the Scenes of FABIOLA: An Interview with the Bowen Family

We were recently interviewed by Matt Chicoine from The Simple Catholic about our upcoming film, FABIOLA. In the interview, we discussed the inspiration behind the project, the process of adapting the story for the screen, and the unique challenges we faced in bringing this powerful tale of faith and sacrifice to life.

The book Fabiola, which features Saints Sebastian, Agnes, and Pancratius, resonated deeply with us, drawing parallels between ancient Rome and today’s world. One of the themes we explored in the film is how faith can flourish in times of cultural collapse, and how sacrifice plays a central roles in Christian life. We also touched on the importance of giving historical saints relatable personalities and struggles to make their stories accessible to today's audiences.

Our goal is to create a high-quality faith-based film that appeals to both Catholic and Protestant audiences, similar to classic films like The Ten Commandments. We’ve spent years learning, growing, and refining our craft, and FABIOLA is the culmination of all that hard work.

To read the full interview and learn more about our journey, visit Matt Chicoine’s site, The Simple Catholic. We are excited to share this project with you and appreciate your continued support!

Feb 26, 2025

Meet Declan Bowen As St. Pancratius In FABIOLA

We’re excited to introduce Declan Bowen, a young actor who has been part of Industrious Family Films since 2015, as St. Pancratius in FABIOLA. Declan has already gained valuable experience, appearing in numerous small roles and often serving as an extra. This time, he’s stepping into the spotlight to take on the role of St. Pancratius, an Early Church boy martyr. Declan’s enthusiasm for the project, combined with his dedication to acting, makes him the perfect fit for this pivotal character.

St. Pancratius, while not widely known, left an unforgettable mark on history for his martyrdom at the age of 14. When I first encountered this saint while reading the novel, he was depicted as the image of the perfect teenager—an unwavering symbol of faith with no need for character development. However, in recreating him for the film, we’ve given St. Pancratius more depth making him a character that feels relatable and real.

In FABIOLA, Pancratius is portrayed as a youth striving for perfection, but his eagerness for martyrdom sometimes borders on recklessness. This passionate drive catches the attention of St. Sebastian, who, recognizing the young boy’s zeal, steps in to guide him, hoping to steer Pancratius safely through the spiritual and physical dangers that await him.

The tension between Pancratius’ boldness and Sebastian’s protective instinct plays a key role in the film, as Pancratius ultimately refuses to sacrifice to the pagan gods and is sentenced to face the brutal arena. The bond between the two saints culminates in a powerful and emotional final scene, where Sebastian tells the boy, “When I heard your sentence passed on the sole reason of your being a Christian, my task was completed. I would not have raised a finger to save you.”

St. Pancratius’ story is one of courageous faith and youthful zeal, making him a character that resonates with audiences. Declan Bowen’s portrayal of this young martyr brings both the innocence and bravery of Pancratius to life, adding a new layer of depth to the saint.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to bring this inspiring story to the screen!

Learn more about this exciting project!