I Am The Immaculate Conception is a major film perfectly timed to play in theaters Dec. 12, 14 and 17. Opening shortly after the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, during Advent, this docudrama is a loving tribute to our Blessed Mother and illuminates the Immaculate Conception and its essential place in salvation through its dramatization and expert commentators.

Director-producer Michal Kondrat, Marian expert Father Chris Alar of the Marians of the Immaculate Conception, and actress Maria Juzwin shared with the Register some thoughts about this major film.

Michal Kondrat

Why did you decide to make this film about the Immaculate Conception?

I decided to make this film because the subject of the Immaculate Conception is very important but also often very misunderstood. The Virgin Mary introduced herself to St. Bernadette with the words: “I am the Immaculate Conception.” Why didn’t she just say, “I’m Mary, Mother of Jesus,” or something like that? This film will try to answer these questions. I strongly believe it will help to build a more conscious and stronger relationship with the Virgin Mary, which is the best way to her Son, Jesus.

Do you have devotion to the Blessed Mother? How did such devotion help you with the writing and filming?

I am constantly learning devotion to Mary, and each year I have a deeper relationship with her. She is the best mediator of graces, and I undoubtedly experience this in my life, both personally and professionally. The production of the film I Am The Immaculate Conception helped to deepen this relationship even more, and I believe that it will translate into further beautiful experiences. I also deeply believe that my film will be an inspiration for each of you to explore the mystery of the Immaculate Conception and thus experience something extraordinary that can beautifully change your life.

Were there any particular things you wanted to emphasize about Mary in this film?

Yes. I want to emphasize the enormous role of Mary in God’s plan for the salvation of the world. This cannot be understood without understanding what the Immaculate Conception is, as well as the reality of kairos, in which God works outside of time. Father Chris Alar is one expert who explains this exceptionally well.

I thought the way you brought in the Magnificat was perfect. What inspired you to do it that way?

The Magnificat is a hymn of Mary that she sings during her meeting with Elizabeth. I knew it had to be sung beautifully, and I was looking for a singer with an angelic voice to sing this song in Latin. It worked. I found an outstanding singer from Romania, Maria Coman, whose sacred songs are listened to by millions of people from all over the world and admired on YouTube and Spotify. The song composed by Bartosz Chajdecki turned out to be so good that I decided to make a music video for it based on footage from the film.

What are your hopes for this film?

We hope our movie provides a way to honor Mary and show the world that she is worthy of that honor.

I would very much like the film to allow viewers to experience the closeness of Mary as the Immaculate Conception, Blessed Mary full of grace, who also brings the grace of salvation thanks to the death on the cross and the resurrection of her Son. My goal is to listen to what God says to my heart and implement it through film. If it is God's will for viewers to meet his earthly mother, as she was portrayed in the film, I Am The Immaculate Conception, it will happen. Therefore, as I work hard to promote the film, I pray for God’s will to be fulfilled. My expectations for the movie don’t matter.

Maria Juzwin

Please share some thoughts you had about playing the Blessed Mother. And how difficult did you find it to be?

For me, as an actress, playing the role of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, was an absolutely unique experience. It is very challenging to take on such an important, iconic figure who is an object of veneration and prayer for millions of people around the world. Of course, when building a role, I rely primarily on my sensitivity and a certain image of the character. However, I tried to approach this portrayal with immense respect, striving to understand who Mary truly was and what emotions she experienced. Undoubtedly, our director, Michal Kondrat, was a great help, always explaining the key points of each scene and providing a broader context of the religious background.

Do you have devotion to the Blessed Mother and, if so, how might it have helped you in portraying her?

I think the most important aspect of portraying Mary was focusing on her as a woman and mother who had to face immense sacrifice and the incredibly difficult task entrusted to her. Surprisingly, searching for those “human” traits in Mary was key to depicting her, helping me bring authenticity to her character.

Do you have a favorite scene?

It’s hard to call this scene a “favorite,” but the one that left the deepest emotional impact on me was undoubtedly the crucifixion of Jesus. It was an extremely challenging and profoundly emotional moment — probably the most difficult one I’ve had to portray so far.

Any other thoughts you would like to share about your role? Maybe your hopes for the film?

I hope the film reaches a wide audience around the world, giving viewers the chance to see the most significant moments from the lives of Mary and Jesus in a completely new, technologically spectacular version! We warmly invite everyone to watch it.

Marian Father Chris Alar

Why is this film so important at and for this time?

Our world has forgotten the importance of purity, morality and how to live chastely, due to a culture of relativism, which encourages everyone to do whatever makes them feel good. Wrong! The Bible calls everyone to be holy and immaculate. Mary is the prototype, the living example, that this is possible. Of course, we are not free from sin like Our Lady, but we can work on our own purification in this life through her example.

What are your hopes for this film?

We’re hoping for a better understanding of what the Catholic Church teaches about the Immaculate Conception and why. This film is true to Scripture and the magisterium of the Church. It reminds viewers that the Immaculate Conception is a dogma; it’s required belief. It’s also the key to everything. We are to model ourselves on Mary, as she is the perfect disciple.

Anything else you would like to share about the film?

The docudrama format is great because it holds your interest in multiple ways. As Mary’s story unfolds on screen, you have teaching segments to interest and enlighten. There’s the beauty of a great drama with solid catechesis, both capturing your attention. I think it’s the best of both worlds, and I’m excited for people to see this film.