We frequently receive requests from authors, musicians, and filmmakers to share their work with our readers. As you can imagine, much of it does not make the cut, but a project by an Irish filmmaker who contacted us today grabbed my attention:


Jennie O' Sullivan - or Sister Paschal - is one of Ireland's last Catholic missionary nuns. She spent 75 years in Japan, returning to her homeland at the age of 98. She was the first English teacher at one of the country's most prestigious girls' schools, Denenchofu Futaba in Tokyo. Amongst her past pupils is Japan's Crown Princess Masako.

As her much younger cousin, I was fascinated by her story and its epic quality. In 1935, as a young woman, she journeyed by boat to a strange land on the other side of the world, not speaking the language and knowing she would never return home. Yet, return home she did and with remarkable lucidity, energy and recall of her entire life story.

Based on the trailer, it looks like a fascinating story. The film is almost completed, but requires fundraising to pay for editing, sound mixing, past expenses, and international private screenings in hopes of getting picked up by film festivals. Visit the film's Indiegogo page to watch the trailer, learn more, and decide if you want to contribute.

http://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/the-city-gates.cfm?id=1171