Screening of ‘Fatima’ with guest speaker screenwriter

Photo by Mary-Grace Bryers

Sarah Wandor

Critic’s Corner Columnist

On Friday night, Sept. 23, students, faculty and religious gathered in Finnegan Fieldhouse for the showing of the film “Fatima” that was released earlier this year, followed by a Q&A with the film’s screenwriter.

Students settled in for a cozy night as they came dressed in comfort, brought blankets and stretched out their legs before the film, which told the story of the 1917 Marian apparitions in Fatima, Portugal. Some students even turned it into a date night.

Beverages such as water and mountain dew were also offered, free of charge, to anyone who wanted them, as well as snacks, including chips and other movie night food. The chairs were placed 6 feet apart in groups of two for social distancing.

As the lights dimmed and the film began to play, an air of silence fell upon the room and all eyes turned to the screen. The atmosphere soon became peaceful. Everyone was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop when there was little coming from the film through the speakers.

The audience said they left touched.

Sophomore Caroline Picard said, “It just shows us that we are capable of great things in whatever way we are asked to and how involved our Lady is our life.”

She thought as she watched the movie that that is her real mom who is involved in all of our lives.

During the Q&A after the movie, screen writer Barbara Nicolosi gave information on how the movie was made, why certain decisions were made and how the film came to be.