American Byzantine

Chronicling the creation of "The Universal Call to Holiness" (the 38-ton sculptural relief that now adorns the rear wall of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.), Martin Doblmeier's American Byzantine also provides an historical overview of the Byzantine culture and art world, takes viewers inside ancient churches in different parts of the world still filled with beautiful mosaics, and looks back at the genesis of the National Shrine itself. The film features footage taken over the five years that it took sculptor George Carr to create the marble relief, as well as scenes shot in Pietrasanta, Italy where master carver Franco Cervietti and 22 artisans carved the relief out of marble quarried from mountains in northern Italy. The final images are truly inspired, as the countenances on the sculpted faces are filled with tender awe and respect for the dove above them signifying the Holy Spirit. After viewing this informative film, many viewers are likely to add the National Shrine to their itinerary during an Eastern seaboard visit. Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (E. Smith)