Fathom Entertainment has officially acquired the U.S. theatrical distribution rights for the French docudrama "Sacred Heart," scheduling a limited release across four days in June. The film, created by Steven and Sabrina Gunnell of KREA Film-Makers, delves into the origins and enduring significance of the Catholic devotion centered on the Sacred Heart of Jesus, tracing its roots to the 17th-century visions experienced by Margaret Mary Alacoque in Paray-le-Monial, France.
This cinematic work masterfully weaves together dramatic re-enactments with insights from religious leaders, historians, and theologians, complemented by modern-day accounts from individuals who share the profound impact of this devotion on their lives. Following its October 2025 debut in France, where it garnered nearly a million admissions throughout Europe, the film has established itself as a notable success within the faith-based cinema genre. Its U.S. screenings will feature both English-dubbed and Spanish-language versions and will include an additional segment after the main feature. This bonus content will showcase clergy and lay perspectives on the contemporary relevance of the Sacred Heart devotion, linking it to a planned consecration effort by U.S. Catholic bishops coinciding with the film's release.
The inspiration for the project stemmed from the Gunnells' personal journey to significant religious sites in Burgundy, including Paray-le-Monial, where the historical events depicted in the film originally transpired. Through their production company, KREA Film-Makers, the Gunnells remain committed to producing narratives inspired by faith, emphasizing the film's core message that "The world is dying from not knowing it is loved by God." They articulate the film as both a response and an invitation to embrace this profound divine affection.
The release of "Sacred Heart" in the United States offers a unique opportunity for audiences to connect with a powerful spiritual narrative, fostering understanding and reflection on faith, history, and the human experience. It underscores the enduring relevance of religious devotion in modern society and the capacity of film to convey messages of love and hope.
