Archbishop Gomez hosts 'Who's Who' at prestigious red-carpet event

Contact: Alexis Walkenstein, 561-445-5409; Tim Lilley, 678-990-9032; Kevin Wandra, 678-990-9032

SANTA MONICA, Calif., June 1, 2012 /Standard Newswire/ -- On the eve of its theatrical release across America, Most. Rev. José H. Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles, hosted the May 31 red-carpet premiere of the action epic FOR GREATER GLORY, a Dos Corazones Studios production being distributed by ARC Entertainment.

Photo: Cast and crew on the red carpet at the May 31 premiere of FOR GREATER GLORY in Los Angeles include Director Dean Wright (left), Maricio Kuri, Andy Garcia, Eva Longoria, Nestor Carbonell, Eduardo Verástegui and Producer Pablo Barroso. -- Photo by Eric Charbonneau, La Studio Photography/ARC Entertainment.

Archbishop Gomez welcomed a 'Who's Who' of entertainment and Catholic leaders, clergy and religious to the red-carpet reception in the Grand Lobby of Los Angeles' Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. The screening followed in the Academy's Samuel Goldwyn Theater -- which erupted with a spontaneous chant of "Viva Cristo Rey!" at the end of the film!

Producer Pablo Barroso, in an emotional address following the film, talked about the length of time it took to bring FOR GREATER GLORY to the big screen. "If you believe in something and are committed to it," he said, "you can make it happen."

"Los Angeles' connection to the events and people portrayed in FOR GREATER GLORY is well-documented," Archbishop Gomez said. "The Archdiocese of Los Angeles supported the beleaguered Church in Mexico, speaking out in defense of religious liberty and against government oppression. Los Angeles also welcomed thousands of refugees from the war, many of whom became founding parishioners of parishes in the eastern part of our city. And so, I am pleased and proud to host the film's world premiere."

Archbishop Gomez talked about the film's importance to all Catholics in the U.S. He also introduced Southern California resident and Mexican native Maria Meza, who is a survivor of the Cristero War. After the introduction, Archbishop Gomez presented her with an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Academy Award® nominee Andy Garcia, who plays Gen. Enrique Gorostieta in the film, joined many of the film's cast members for the red-carpet premiere -- including Golden Globe winner Eva Longoria, who plays Gorostieta's wife, Tulita; Mauricio Kuri, who plays Blessed José Sanchez del Rio; Eduardo Verástegui (Blessed Anacleto Gonzalez Flores); Nestor Carbonell (Mayor Picazo); Santiago Cabrera (Fr. Vega); Karyme Lozano (Blessed José's mother, Doña María del Río de Sánchez); and Alma Martinez (Mrs. Vargas).

Media who have attended pre-release screenings of FOR GREATER GLORY are calling it "a moving, compelling, powerful film," (Shawn Edwards, FOX TV) and "one of the most powerful films to hit the big screen in years" (Phil Boatwright, Preview On Line). The film's adventure unfolds against the long-hidden, true story of the 1920s Cristero War -- the daring people's revolt that rocked 20th Century North America.

A complete theater list -- and links for advance ticket purchases online through Fandango, MovieFone and MovieTickets.com -- are available at the film's official website, www.ForGreaterGlory.com.

"As a nation established on the principal of freedom for all people, FOR GREATER GLORY reminds us of the important values that we as Americans and Catholics share and must be willing to protect," said Cardinal Seán O'Malley of Boston. "This film helps us to understand the history surrounding the Cristero War and its importance in the Mexican Catholics' efforts to fight for religious freedom and tolerance. Those values are as relevant today as they were almost one hundred years ago."

"To describe this film as stirring or powerful would do it a disservice," said Most Rev. Charles J. Chaput, Archbishop of Philadelphia. "FOR GREATER GLORY is much more than an exercise in piety; it's an extraordinary portrait of ordinary people struggling to defend their convictions. It's among the most absorbing films by any director or movie studio that I've seen in the past few years."

"FOR GREATER GLORY is 'must-see' viewing for all those who care about faith and liberty today," said Knights of Columbus Supreme Knight Carl Anderson.

"Every Catholic needs to make a point to see this film on opening weekend," said CatholicVote.org President Brian Burch. "FOR GREATER GLORY is a compelling story that is both inspirational and provocative. The power of this film is matched only by the timeliness of its message."

FOR GREATER GLORY brings the brutal truth of the Cristiada to the big screen with vivid accuracy. Garcia and Longoria lead a stellar multinational cast that includes legendary Oscar® winner Peter O'Toole, rapidly rising star Oscar Isaac (DRIVE), recording star and actor Ruben Blades (SAFE HOUSE), Bruce Greenwood (STAR TREK, SUPER 8), Carbonell (THE DARK KNIGHT RISES, "Lost"), Cabrera ("Heroes," CHE), Oscar®-nominated Catalina Sandino Moreno (MARIA FULL OF GRACE), and Verástegui (BELLA). FOR GREATER GLORY also features teenager Kuri in a stunning portrayal of Blessed José, who joined the Cristeros at 14 and served as a flag bearer before being martyred by Calles' Federales.

Many of the Cristero martyrs were Knights of Columbus, and the organization has spearheaded production of a behind-the-scenes look at the movie that includes historical background on the Cristero War. Anyone can watch the 30-minute program online at www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnPi5cXlVHo. 

In addition, Ignatius Press is publishing the official companion book to the film, For Greater Glory: The True Story of the Cristiada. Written by noted Cristero War historian and expert Ruben Quezada, English and Spanish editions of the book will hit shelves shortly after the film's June 1 opening.

For interviews with Producer Pablo Barroso, other members of the cast and crew, or official-companion-book author Ruben Quezada, please contact Alexis Walkenstein (561-445-5409 or AWalkenstein@MaximusMG.com), Tim Lilley (678-990-9032 or TLilley@MaximusMG.com) or Kevin Wandra (678-990-9032, or KWandra@MaximusMG.com) of The Maximus Group.

Visit the online newsroom at www.MaxOnDeadline.com/ForGreaterGlory for backgrounders, still images and other media resources.

Like and share the Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/ForGreaterGlory.

Follow the Twitter feed at www.Twitter.com/ForGreaterGlory.

Note to broadcast outlets -- To obtain Reuters footage from the premier for broadcast, please contact ITN Source in New York at 646-723-9793 or be email at nysales@itnsource.com.