"Vows of Silence," a documentary based on the book "Vows of Silence: The Abuse of Power in the Papacy of John Paul II" by former Courant reporter Gerald Renner and Jason Berry, will be screened Oct. 9 at Fairfield University.
Berry, the film's director, will be at the 7 p.m. screening. (Renner died last October.)
The book, published in 2004, was based on the series of Courant articles written by Renner, about Fr. Marcial Maciel, founder of the Legionaries of Christ. The ultra-conservative, secretive organization protected Maciel when he was accused of sex abuse.
The publication of Renner's and Berry's book led to an investigation by the Vatican.
"The Legionaries of Christ... do not publicly concede that the allegations against [Maciel] were proven. They can't bring themselves to admit he abused all these kids," Berry says. "They would have to admit they engaged in a massive disinformation campaign, and that would be against Gerry and me. The film is about the disinformation effort."
Berry says the film will serve a function the book did not, by giving a closer look at Maciel's accusers.
"I defy anybody to look at Jose Barba and Juan Vaca tell their stories and think that they are lying," Berry says. "The body language, the way they speak, the dignity with which they hold themselves all convey an image of respectable men, well-mannered men."
The free event is hosted by the University's Center for Catholic Studies, and will take place in the Wien "Black Box" Theatre, in the Quick Center for the Arts.
Also at Fairfield University, next week begins this year's installment of its popular "The Irish in Film" series of four screenings.
The films will be shown in the Multimedia Room of the DiMenna-Nyselius Library on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Admission is free, and light refreshments will be served.
The series begins Wednesday with "Angels with Dirty Faces." James Cagney stars in the 1938 gangster film about two boys who grow up together - one becomes a criminal and the other a priest. It also stars Humphrey Bogart as a shyster. Dr. Leo O'Connor, director of American Studies, will introduce the movie.
On Oct.15, the university will show with "Odd Man Out." James Mason stars in Carol Reed's 1947 noir, as the head of an IRA-like organization. Robert Epstein, associate professor of English, will introduce the film.
On Oct. 29, the film is "The Boxer," Jim Sheridan's 1997 drama starring Daniel-Day Lewis. Day-Lewis stars as an ex-con who starts a boxing program. It also stars Emily Watson. Kevin Cassidy, director of Irish Studies, will introduce the film.
"The Fighting Prince of Donegal" will end the series on Nov. 12. Dr. William Abbott, associate professor of History, will introduce the 1966 film, based on a real person, Red Hugh O'Donnell, Prince of Donegal, who declared war on England in 1593. Michael O'Herlihy directs.
