‘Triumph of the Heart’ brings St. Maximilian Kolbe’s story to the big screen Sept. 12
- Denver Catholic Staff
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
A powerful new Catholic film depicting the life and martyrdom of St. Maximilian Kolbe will soon be coming to theaters across the country. Triumph of the Heart, a dramatic retelling of the saint’s heroic witness, opens Sept. 12 for a one-night nationwide event.
Known as the “Martyr of Charity,” St. Maximilian Kolbe was a Polish Franciscan priest who devoted his life to evangelization, the promotion of Marian devotion and the service of others. Arrested by the Nazis during World War II and sent to Auschwitz, he offered his life in place of another prisoner — a husband and father — who had been condemned to die. Kolbe’s selfless act became one of the most moving testimonies of Christian love in the modern era.
Triumph of the Heart brings this story to life in vivid detail, combining high-quality cinematography, a compelling musical score and faithful storytelling to present Kolbe’s life and sacrifice to a new generation. Viewers will encounter not only the final act of his life but also his earlier missionary work, his devotion to the Immaculata and his steadfast courage in the face of persecution.
The film is more than a historical drama — it is an invitation to reflect on the Gospel command to “love your enemies” and to pray for those who persecute you. Kolbe’s example challenges Christians to respond to hatred with love, fear with courage and suffering with trust in God.
"The film has been transformational for so many who’ve seen it," said Anthony D'Ambrosio, the film's director. "We are very excited and grateful to get to invite you to one of the limited theatrical screenings of the film."
The timing of the release — just a month after the Church celebrates St. Maximilian’s feast day on Aug. 14 — offers a special opportunity for Catholics to deepen their devotion to this modern saint.
The Sept. 12 showing will be available in select theaters across the United States. The first screening in the Denver Metro sold out in 24 hours, so Catholics in the Archdiocese of Denver and beyond are encouraged to make plans now to attend, invite friends or even coordinate parish or small group outings to see the film together.
In addition to purchasing tickets for the theater release, Catholics have the option to host screenings of Triumph of the Heart in their parish, school or community. These screenings can be a powerful way to evangelize, foster discussion about living the faith boldly and introduce others to the witness of Kolbe’s life.
Triumph of the Heart promises to be a moving cinematic encounter with one of the great saints of the 20th century. His courage in the face of evil, rooted in his love for Christ and Our Lady, remains a source of hope and inspiration for the Church today.
St. Maximilian Kolbe once said, “Let us remember that love lives through sacrifice and is nourished by giving. Without sacrifice, there is no love.” This film invites viewers to enter into that truth — and to consider how they, too, can offer their lives in service of God and neighbor.
To find a theater near you or purchase tickets for the Sept. 12 showing, visit www.triumphoftheheart.com. To host a screening in your parish or community, go to www.triumphoftheheart.com/militia.
