Catholic Filmmaker Tackles Sex, Suicide, and God’s Infinite Mercy in his New Film ‘Death of a Tree’
UTICA, New York, June 28, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ — Driven by a deeply personal calling to create films that glorify God, filmmaker John Martoccia’s second faith-based feature film “Death of a Tree” focuses on an older, devout Catholic man’s struggle to remain sexually pure after being seduced and then falling in love with a younger woman.
“I wanted my second film to explore the temptations of sex, power, guilt, and violence that practicing Catholics often face on a daily basis,” says Martoccia. “This is a tragic yet hopeful story about human frailty, the repercussions of sin, all within the context of God’s infinite mercy.” More…
After ‘Vito Bonafacci’ success, Utica’s Martoccia begins sequel
Utica Observer DispatchFor most filmmakers, inspiration does not always come easily. But Utica resident John Martoccia says his unwavering faith in God has a way of creating new ideas for him...
Vito Bonafacci – Review
Catholic News ServiceWere the Catholic Church to begin giving cinematic imprimaturs, few films would be better qualified to receive one than 'Vito Bonafacci', writer-director John Martoccia's meditative- and theologically impeccable- exploration of Scripture-based doctrine and spirituality. "'Vito Bonafacci' will certainly reinforce faith in the devout and those with yearnings for the sacred.." "Religious educators will also welcome the movie as an apt and pleasant instrument in the catechetical instruction of teenagers or adults.
A Day in the Life of a Prodigal Son
The New York TimesIn a world fixated on bombast, “Vito Bonafacci” offers a quiet haven for meaningful meditation.