How CABRINI Star Cristiana Dell’Anna Immersed Herself in Role
By Movieguide® Contributor
CABRINI star Christiana Dell’Anna shared with Movieguide® how she immersed herself in the role to bring Francesca Cabrini’s story to the big screen.
“I never wanted to settle anywhere below her values, and in order for me to understand that and be her, I need to meet those values,” Dell’Anna explained. “I needed to meet those beliefs. They had to become my values and my beliefs, and that’s how I think I managed to carry on for three months straight.”
“There wasn’t a moment where I felt disconnected [from the role],” she told Movieguide®’s Dr. Ted Baehr.
“The only time…was when we wrapped for the day, and I went back home to my husband,” Dell’Anna continued. “I was always very focused because I needed her to inhabit me, in a sense…Ultimately, I had to leave space in my heart for her to speak to me. To tell me what she wanted to achieve through her work.”
The actress plays Francesca Cabrini, “an Italian immigrant who arrives in New York City in 1889 and is greeted by disease, crime, and impoverished children.”
The real-life Cabrini fought for the “equality, health, and happiness of immigrant orphans.”
“Over the course of 34 years she established an astonishing 67 hospitals, orphanages, and schools. Her energy was fueled by an intense focus on serving Jesus in whatever he asked of her and her legacy still stands today,” Angel Studios reported.
She became the first canonized saint from the United States for her work and faith.
A full synopsis of the movie reads, “Cabrini sets off on a daring mission to convince the hostile mayor to secure housing and healthcare for society’s most vulnerable. With broken English and poor health, Cabrini uses her entrepreneurial mind to build an empire of hope unlike anything the world had ever seen.”
Part of Movieguide®’s review reads:
CABRINI tells the inspiring true story of Mother Cabrini, an Italian immigrant who travels to America in 1889 to live out her God-given mission of caring for orphans on the streets of New York City. Cabrini would later become the patron saint of immigrants, and the first U.S. citizen to be canonized. Cabrini is passionate about her Gospel call to serve children and the poor but is faced with obstacles and adversity every step of the way. Despite sexism, racism and even a terminal illness, Cabrini shows unwavering faith in God and her mission.
CABRINI is a powerful story about Mother Cabrini’s love for the afflicted in America, especially her fellow Italian immigrants. The movie has a strong Christian, moral worldview. It stresses that faith overcomes fear, and that love is stronger than violence. It’s also steeped in Catholic imagery, but features prayer and the reciting of God’s Word. The astounding cinematography, compelling performances, and well-paced story result in an inspiring portrayal of the real-life saint. Due to some violence and adult themes and scenes, MOVIEGUIDE® advises caution for younger viewers.
Check out the rest of Movieguide®’s interview here:
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
