'Reluctant Saint' Reveals a Rare Side of Saint Francis of Assisi

Janson Media today announced the release of the docudrama Reluctant Saint: Francis of Assisi (1 x 60') to worldwide television, VOD, digital platforms and non-theatrical markets. The award-winning depiction of one of the most beloved Catholic saints of all time was produced by Odyssey Networks.

Reluctant Saint shows a Saint Francis who transcends the image familiar to even the least religious among us: wealthy playboy, soldier, businessman, preacher, defender of the poor, mystic and - later - a guiding light to ecologists and animal rights activists.

Filmed on location in Italy, Reluctant Saint captures all the violence, color, and mystery of Francis" time - time like our own, full of crisis, craving for reform and for a deeper, simpler, more personal faith.

St. Francis, renowned lover of nature—and so much more. Reluctant Saint offers new insights into a life that has engaged the hearts and minds of millions over the centuries. Above all, he was a man of great conscience and contradiction who never feared speaking his mind to authority. Narrated by Liev Schreiber with Robert Sean Leonard as the voice of Francis.

Odyssey Networks is a service of the National Interfaith Cable Coalition, Inc., established in 1987. Odyssey is the nation"s largest multi-faith media coalition with over 100 members, including faith groups, organizations and individuals. Odyssey Networks has become a leader in faith-based general entertainment products and high-quality made-for-television movies such as Beverly Lewis" &'The Shunning&', based upon her best-selling trilogy the &'Heritage of Lancaster County&'. Several other movies include &'The Note&' and its sequel, &'The Note 2: Taking a Chance on Love&', &'Love Comes Softly&' and &'Love"s Enduring Promise&' — all top-rated performers on Hallmark Channel.