The making of the film "God’s Doorkeeper: St. André of Montreal"

Salt + Light Television just released a documentary called God’s Doorkeeper: St. André of Montreal. The film is a mix of archival footage, interviews and reenactments. The story of St. André Bessette would be fascinating in its own right. But as senior editor Marc Boudignon explained, it was seeing how people today carry on St. Andre’s work of hospitality that really lifted the story and gave it its power. Mr. Boudignon joined Salt + Light five years ago after a career in the world of advertising. He spoke recently about the making of the film.

Q. What are the challenges of making a film about religion and especially one about a Catholic saint?

A. The best films touch on Catholic themes but aren’t necessarily overtly Catholic. The piousness should not be at the forefront. You can’t be heavy handed. If you’re telling your audience what to believe and the characters are one dimensional it’s not going to work. The whole point of making a film about André was to make him relevant to today’s audience.

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