The
murals that Maxo Vanka painted in St. Nicholas Church contain
traditional religious images and so much more. They depict scenes
familiar to the parishioners of life in their native Croatia and their
new home in industrial Pittsburgh. They present dramatic representations
of social injustice and horrific portraits of war. These murals have
moved parishioners and visitors for generations.
This documentary tells the story of the murals, the pastor who
commissioned them, and the artist who painted them. Art scholars explain
the major themes and interpret details in Vanka’s work. Parishioners
discuss how their heritage is preserved and how these murals enhance
their faith.
Along with historic and contemporary footage, filmmaker Kenneth Love
conveys the significance of these images and the impact they have made.
Produced and Directed by KENNETH LOVE Edited by TOM DUBENSKY
Written by BILL DOORLEY Executive Producer BARBARA McNULTY
Narrated by MOST REVEREND BISHOP DAVID A. ZUBIK, Bishop of Pittsburgh
BONUS FEATURE: • Bishop David Zubik’s remarks at the world premiere.
56 minutes color stereo NTSC widescreen