Miami’s John Paul II International Film Festival was encouraged by the Vatican’s announcement that John Paul II, who inspired interreligious dialogue and helped break down communism in his Native Poland, is currently pending approval for beatification. The interfaith film festival, taking place February 17th – 26th is further proof that the late pope’s legacy continues to move generations to use their God-given talents to send a message of peace and humanity in their community and the world at large.

“The announcement could not have come at a better time” stated the organizers of the John Paul II International Film Festival, modeled after his artistic and humanitarian ideals. “Not only because of our Film Festival but because of the great message of hope it will bring to individuals all over the world who followed John Paul II’s life.”

The John Paul II International Film Festival’s closing night film, Nine Days that Changed the World, showcases the late Pope’s social influence in Poland’s solidarity movement. Professor George Weigel, the author of the best-selling biography of Pope John Paul II, Witness to Hope,  once said the late pope “…was the great defender of universal human rights in our time and proposed that ‘rights’ understood according to the natural moral law could be a kind of grammar by which a fractured world could engage in real conversation.” 

“Our team has been praying for his future canonization since we founded the Film Festival. The mere fact that our hero will be beatified is a miracle in itself,” said Frank William Brennan, one of the festival’s Founders and Directors.

The date of the late pontiff’s beatification has been set for May 1st, 2011. A day that is known by Catholics as “Divine Mercy Sunday.”

The John Paul II International Film Festival returns to South Florida for its 10-day second edition from February 17-26. The 2011 festival, themed The Mystery of Love, will screen its films in Florida International University, the Dave & Mary Alper JCC’s Robert Russel Theater, and the brand new Coral Gables Art Cinema.

For more information about the JP2IFF, visit www.jp2filmfestival.org or call 305.418.0939