What It Takes to Bring a Saint to Life on Screen
By Anthony D’Ambrosio
When we set out to film Triumph of the Heart, capturing the life and legacy of St. Maximilian Kolbe, we knew the task was monumental. How do you bring the presence of a saint, someone so deeply beloved and spiritually profound, to life in a way that feels authentic, moving, and real?
Warsaw, Poland
This place was the backdrop for much of our story, a city that still carries the weight of Kolbe’s time. But it was Marcin Kwaśny, our lead actor, who brought Kolbe’s essence to the screen in a way that left us speechless.
Kolbe’s qualities, his unwavering courage, boundless creativity, deep humility, and sacrificial love, aren’t easy to portray. And yet, Marcin embodied them so fully that at times, it felt as though we weren’t watching an actor at all. His presence on set was magnetic, carrying a quiet intensity that mirrored the saint we were all there to honor.
It was unreal.
There was one moment, in particular, that I’ll never forget. Watching Marcin deliver a scene with such raw emotion and grace, I felt as though I was in the presence of St. Kolbe himself, the very saint whose story had helped me through a personal crisis. It was a blessing beyond words, a reminder of why this story matters.
Embodying a Saint
Bringing a saint to life isn’t just about acting. It’s about understanding the heart of who they were, what they stood for, and how their legacy continues to move us today. Marcin didn’t just play Kolbe; he brought his spirit to life.
This journey has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. To see the story of St. Maximilian Kolbe unfold in such a powerful way is something I will carry with me forever.
What saint or story has left a profound impact on your life?
