Making Cabrini | Part 1 - How a "non-religious" film got distributed by the most controversial studio

In this episode we Jonathan gives Daniel Sh*t for being a Jewish filmmaker with extensive tattoos. But for real - after a humorous anecdote about a spontaneous tattoo session in South Dakota, Jonathan then shares how a biopic about Mother Cabrini, the first American saint and patron saint of immigrants became his most recent big $40+ MIllion dollar, privately funded project. He recounts how he got involved in the project, initially hesitant due to his lack of connection to Catholicism. However, he was convinced by the story's emphasis on Cabrini's entrepreneurial spirit and determination. He shares detailed historical context about Cabrini's life, her struggles with illness, and her journey to the U.S., where she established a vast network of hospitals, schools, and orphanages. We then chat about Cabrini's tenacity, noting how she never took no for an answer and always aimed to help the most disadvantaged. The discussion also touches on the production challenges faced during the pandemic, the decision to shoot primarily in Buffalo, New York, and the unique approach to filming, which involved long, continuous shots rather than traditional coverage. Jonathan emphasizes the collaborative effort of the cast and crew, many of whom were theater-trained and adept at adapting to the precise blocking required. The episode concludes with a discussion on the film's reception and distribution, particularly its partnership with Angel Studios. Despite the potential for controversy due to the studio's association with previous projects, Jonathan remains optimistic about the film's impact and success, both commercially and critically. Daniel and Jonathan express their hopes for the movie's continued success and its ability to inspire audiences worldwide and vow to record a future episode after it's run its course in theaters.