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As World War II looms on the horizon, Pope Pius XI calls on a humble American priest to help him challenge the evils of Nazism and antisemitism. But death intervenes, and a new pope, Pius XII, carries out a very different response to Hitler and the Holocaust.
HOLY SILENCE tells the dramatic story of the Vatican's actions – and inactions – during World War II and the years leading up to it. Featuring Oscar-nominated actor David Strathairn as the voice of President Franklin Roosevelt, the film focuses on the little known story of Americans – from priests to presidents – who worked behind the scenes in hopes of persuading the Holy See to be a strong moral voice against Hitler and fascism.
Steven Pressman (director, producer and writer) worked for many years as a newspaper and magazine journalist in Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco. He was born and raised in Los Angeles and received his undergraduate education at the University of California at Berkeley. Steven also directed 50 Children: The Rescue Mission of Mr. and Mrs. Kraus which was a festival favorite and aired on HBO.
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