Laura Paulina Brennan

Laura, an award-winning actress born in Mexico City and a practicing Catholic, began her stage-training at nine years old and studied the craft in conservatories all the way through college. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from the prestigious New World School of the Arts. Since her 2007 college graduation, Laura has produced and acted in countless independent films, three of which were produced by her own production company 7eventhDay Films, which she owns with her husband, Frank Brennan. She continues to perform in regional theater and has taught acting in the Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart and directed children’s shows for Miami Children’s Theater. She is the current Theater and Fine Arts Director at Archbishop Coleman Carroll High School in West Kendall Miami. Laura and Frank were married on August 14th, 2010.

Frank William Brennan

Frank was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey and moved to Miami at the age of thirteen. He graduated from Florida International University with a B.A. in English. During his Freshman year of High School, Frank felt a strong calling to the art of film and began writing, directing, and producing his own work alongside his wife Laura Paulina. Together, they began a production company called 7eventhDay Films. After rediscovering his faith during College, Frank's call became a need to give back to God the talents He had bestowed upon him. Frank is now an Award-Winning Writer and Director for his acclaimed short films Best Kept and Finding John Doe. He is currently the Youth and Young Adults Minister for Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Miami and is a current member of the National Association of Catholic Youth Ministry Leaders.

Rafael Anrrich

Rafael holds Bachelors and Master's degrees in Social Work from Florida State University. He currently serves as a mental/behavioral health therapist to children and adolescents, and adults. Born to Catholic parents in Miami, FL, Rafael attended parochial school and Catholic High School while growing up. During his Freshman year of High School, he experienced a deep personal conversion after watching the classic film "The Ten Commandments". During his late 20's, Rafael left the Catholic Church and became involved with a non-denominational Christian movement, but during his spiritual search, he "reverted" back to his Catholic roots upon the death of The Great John Paul II. Rafael lives with his wife, three beautiful girls and his new baby boy.

Mario Xavier

Mario Xavier is a member of the Director's Guild of America. He is on the production staff of such shows as 'Burn Notice', 'The Glades', 'Bones' and 'The Finder'. He was also an assistant director on the upcoming movies 'The Possession','Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters' and 'Iron Man 3'. Mario lives with his beautiful wife, Jennifer, and his new born baby boy, Logan. This is Mario's second year as a panelist for the John Paul II International Film Festival.

Francisco H. Castillo

Francisco Castillo, D.Min., works as a senior editor and multicultural specialist at RCL Benziger. He is an adjunct professor of Religious Studies at Broward College. He is a member of the Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States and a member of the National Hispanic Institute of Liturgy. His professional interests include Catholic social thought, liturgical theology, liturgical and theological aesthetics, liberation theology, U.S. Hispanic/Latino(a) theology, religious studies, comparative religion, religion and film and cultural identity.