A new feature film about St Maximilian Kolbe—the Polish Conventual Franciscan who gave his life at Auschwitz in 1941—will premiere 13 August in Poland before its 12 September US release.
“Triumph of the Heart,” directed by Anthony D’Ambrosio, begins where many accounts end: St Kolbe’s entry into the starvation cell after volunteering to die in place of another prisoner.
Through flashbacks and intense dialogue, the film explores his humanity, struggles and ability to inspire hope among nine doomed companions.
D’Ambrosio, whose own health crisis drew him to St Kolbe’s story, filmed entirely in Poland with grassroots support to ensure authenticity.
Polish actor Marcin Kwasny, who portrays St Kolbe, described the role as “the greatest acting challenge of my career so far.”
Producers said the film offers a raw, faith-filled portrayal of sacrifice that resonates across generations.
“Kolbe’s act of love in darkness showed me that Christianity is about being present in suffering,” said D’Ambrosio.
“That’s the heart of this story—and I believe it’s what our world needs most right now.”
