Acclaimed film about religious sister to be screened on Feb. 23 in Taylorsville

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TAYLORSVILLE — A screening of a film about Blessed Rani Maria, a member of the Franciscan Clarist Congregation, will be presented at the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center on Feb. 23.

The feature film “The Face of the Faceless” chronicles the life of Sister Rani Maria, who served the poor and the marginalized in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India. She was murdered in 1995 because of her advocacy for marginalized people.

The movie, released in 2023, has received more than 80 accolades worldwide, including the International Christian Visual Media’s Golden Crown Award for Best Foreign Production. It also was nominated for Best Original Score at last year’s Academy Awards. It is a Hindi-language movie with English subtitles.

The movie is presented by TriLight Creations and directed by Dr. Shaison P. Ouseph, who is the associate dean of film, television and digital video production at St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai, India. Ouseph will attend the Feb. 23 event.

“Attending this screening allows individuals to witness the inspiring life of Blessed Rani Maria, whose unwavering dedication to social justice, love and service continues to inspire,” Ouseph said, adding that the film “sheds light on her courageous life and mission, which transcends religious boundaries and offers timeless lessons on sacrifice and compassion.”

Viewers can expect “a realistic portrayal of Blessed Rani Maria’s journey … not just an understanding of her mission, but also a deep emotional connection with her unwavering spirit, resilience and commitment to uplifting women and marginalized communities in central India in the early 1990s,” Ouseph said. “It is a powerful reminder of the strength of faith in the face of adversity.”

The film is timely because in “today’s world, where there is often a disconnect between spirituality and daily life, learning about Catholic saints like Blessed Rani Maria provides us with valuable examples of humility, compassion and service,” Ouseph said.

The saints “lived out their faith in tangible ways, showing us how to address societal challenges with love and dedication, which is particularly relevant in today’s increasingly divided world,” he added.

For Brandy Farmer, president and CEO of the Centro Civico Mexicano in Salt Lake City, the movie is “a beautiful depiction of a selfless nun who never gives up on trying to encourage a helpless community to have the courage to stand up for themselves against a tyrant who uses excessive force to stop them. The nun is relentless in her effort and never thinks about herself or the danger she places herself in,” she said.

The end of the movie depicts “a message of pure love and forgiveness,” Farmer said, noting that all of the actors, including the famous actors from India, “were unpaid and were extremely dedicated to ensuring ‘The Face of the Faceless’ was completed and is being viewed around the world.”

Margaret Heighton, Founder of No End To Love Inc., a charity organization in Utah, who with her husband assisted Ouseph in writing the English subtitles for the film’s trailer, said she was glad to finally see the story on the big screen in September. “The filming is so well done and you truly felt you were right there looking on from a close-by vantage point.”

“The film has a universal message of love and forgiveness,” Heighton added. “It transcends the lines of religion and carries an important message for the whole world. I hope more and more people will have the opportunity to experience this film. Sister Rani Maria did not back down from what she knew to be right even when those within her own faith community opposed her.”

Ouseph said that he hopes the story of Blessed Rani Maria “will resonate with your readers and inspire them to reflect on their own lives and values.”

WHAT: Screening of “The Face of the Faceless”

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 23, beginning at 4 p.m. with a meet-and-greet with Shaison P. Ouseph, the director. The film will start at 5 p.m.

WHERE: Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center, 2525 Taylorsville Blvd., Taylorsville

Tickets, which are $12.50, are available at: https://www.saltlakecountyarts.org/events/the-face-of-the-faceless/

The movie is recommended for ages 8 and up. All patrons require a ticket (no infants being held). Implied, limited violence. Rated PG-13.