Bringing Matt Talbot to life: Only with YOUR help

Killing millions of people each year worldwide, destroying families and loved ones in its wake, and being the leading cause of loneliness in our world, it is time that alcoholics and addicts of all types had a champion. This heavenly intercessor is the Venerable Matt Talbot.

WITH YOUR HELP WE CAN INSPIRE MILLIONS OF STRUGGLING ADDICTS.

Using modern cinematic arts we can bring Matt's story to life:

This is a concept image for a reenactment scene we can make only with your help.

Impact:

Since his death, June 7, 1925, his intercession can be associated with thousands of recovered addicts. These moral miracles have brought freedom to even the most hopeless of cases.

In this documentary film we will discover who Matt Talbot really is. We will learn about his life and legacy, adopt his life altering spirituality, and discover how this zealot went from hopeless drunk to heavenly hero.

Filmed in both Ireland and the United States, this film will give you the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of a hopeless alcoholic before AA or any 12 step fellowships even existed.

This is a concept image for a reenactment scene we can make only with your help.

What was it that led to his conversion? What sustained him for more than 40 years of continuous sobriety? What parallels can we see between Matt Talbot's life and the 12 steps of recovery? In this documentary we will answer these questions as well as inspire you to seek his heavenly help, so that your miracle can be closer than you think.

This is a concept image for a reenactment scene we can make only with your help.

In this powerful documentary, we will tell the inspiring stories of men and women who have found recovery from addiction through their devotion to Venerable Matt Talbot. By chronicling the profound ways Matt Talbot has interceded in their lives, we aim to highlight the transformative power of faith and perseverance. Join us in shedding light on these incredible journeys of redemption and hope, and help us spread the message that recovery is possible.

This is Father Doug McKay who's life has been majorly impacted by Venerable Matt Talbot. The film will tell his and many other stories.

Treatment

"Matt Talbot: A Saint for Our Times" will be a 30 to 50-minute documentary film that chronicles the life of Matt Talbot and the stories of those profoundly impacted by his intercession and legacy. The film aims to spread new devotion and inspire stories of recovery through its viewing.

Matt Talbot is revered as the patron of men and women struggling with alcoholism and all forms of addiction. Born in Dublin, Matt faced a challenging childhood as his father struggled to support their family. After a few years of schooling, Matt began working as a messenger for liquor merchants, which led to his excessive drinking. For nearly 15 years, until he was almost 30, Matt battled active alcoholism.

One day, Matt made a pivotal decision to take “the pledge” for three months, make a general confession, and begin attending daily Mass. The first seven years after taking the pledge were especially tough as he struggled to avoid his former drinking haunts. Matt turned to intense prayer, making efforts to repay those he had wronged during his drinking years.

Most of his life, Matt worked as a builder’s laborer. He joined the Secular Franciscan Order and embraced a life of strict penance, abstaining from meat for nine months each year. He spent hours each night reading Scripture and the lives of the saints and was devoted to praying the rosary. Despite his modest income, Matt generously supported missionary efforts.

In 1923, Matt's health declined, forcing him to retire. He died on his way to church on Trinity Sunday. Fifty years later, Pope Paul VI honored Matt Talbot with the title Venerable. His liturgical feast is celebrated on June 19. This documentary will honor his legacy, aiming to reignite his cause for canonization and provide hope to those seeking recovery.

This is a concept image depicting what the movie poster could look like.

Canonization

By supporting the making of this film, you contribute to the potential canonization of Venerable Matt Talbot, giving the world its first Saint who triumphed over addiction, and offering hope and inspiration to countless individuals struggling with similar battles.

This is an image depicting the grand scene at St. Peter's Square during the canonization ceremony of Matt Talbot. The image of Matt Talbot is being revealed, and the square is filled with millions of people celebrating this historic moment.

Budget

Creating a high-quality documentary involves several key stages: pre-production for planning and research, production for filming with top-notch equipment and skilled crew, post-production for editing and adding effects, and marketing and distribution to reach a wide audience. Our $250,000 budget ensures we cover all these aspects, making a powerful and professional film that shares inspiring stories of recovery and hope, potentially aiding Venerable Matt Talbot's canonization.

Some film production expenses include:

Pre-Production:

Production:

Post-Production:

Marketing and Distribution:

About the Producer

I’m Bill Rose, the founder of Joyful Films, and I’ve been creating impactful short documentary films for nearly a decade. I live in the Philadelphia area with my wife, Kathryn, and our two children. My storytelling style is meaningful, compelling, and inspiring, bringing a unique 'joyful touch' to every project I undertake, captivating audiences and leaving a lasting impression.

If you don’t know me yet, reach out and say hello! Send a message here on GoFundMe or you can find my email address at joyfulfilms.com

Here are some behind the scenes photos and clips of Joyful Films projects.

Distribution of the film

With your help we can get this compelling story in front of millions. The distribution plan would include any of the following options:

Urgent Appeal to Donors

Your support is needed now more than ever. Struggling addicts are waiting to be inspired by the powerful stories we plan to share in our documentary about Venerable Matt Talbot. The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous reminds us that recovery takes “a little bit of money and a lot of time.” By giving now or making a pledge to give next year, you will enable us to complete this film in time for the 100th anniversary of Matt Talbot's death on June 7, 2025.

This anniversary, coupled with our impactful film, has the potential to reignite Talbot's cause for canonization, offering hope and inspiration to countless individuals battling addiction. Your immediate support is crucial. Please give now or make a pledge that we can count on for next year, and help us bring this transformative project to life. Together, we can make a difference and honor the legacy of Venerable Matt Talbot.

Tax Deduction

Your donation is tax deductible. Joyful Films is producing this film in conjunction with Our House Ministries, a 501(c)(3) organization.

Your donation must be made out to: Our House Ministries

Please include”Joyful Films” in the memo line to ensure your donation goes toward this project.

Please send us a message for instructions to mail a check. You can send a message here on GoFundMe or you can find my email at joyfulfilms.com