Makers of “Pope John Paul II, A Saint For Our Times" Seek Support to Complete "In Search of Mary"

LOS ANGELES - April 23, 2014 - PRLog -- When film maker John Biffar heard that millions of people are flocking to Medugorje, Bosnia, after claims of spontaneous healings, secret messages, and even apparitions of the Virgin Mary...he took notice.

When he learned that this phenomenon is also happening in New York; Bosnia; Rwanda, Africa; Brussels, Belgium; and Mexico, among other places, he packed his bags and headed off to make a documentary film about these extraordinary events.  This, he felt, was a story that needed to be told.

Biffar, an Emmy Award winning Director and founder Dreamtime Entertainment, partnered with his life long best friend and Co-Producer Dr. David Ferraro.  The duo set out on a mission to discover the “true story” of these reported miraculous events, talk to the people who are directly involved, and share these incredible stories with the masses in the best way they knew how…by creating a film.  “In Search of Mary: Two Sinners on a Mission,” is now in it’s final phases of filming.  The production team is seeking support from the Southwest Florida community, as well as those nationally who would like to support the completion and release of this film.  (See more about this at www.indiegogo.com/projects/in-search-of-mary.)

“The evolution of this documentary is far from any typical film production,” said Biffar.  “It turned into a journey of personal discovery and an effort to find meaning in these messages.  It then became a seven year, six continent endeavor that neither of us could ever have imagined!”

“In Search of Mary” focuses not only on the history of reports throughout the ages, but shares first hand accounts from current visionaries whom the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to.

“One of the encounters that really stood out was when our crew was shooting on location in Rwanda,” recalls Biffar.  “We interviewed a holocaust survivor, Immaculee Ilibigzia, who forgives the man who murdered her entire family.  Hearing stories like this, with such a deep level of love and forgiveness, is an experience that leaves a lifelong impression.  This is what we want to share with the world.”

Biffar and Ferraro recall a number of remarkable series of encounters along the way, which they say can only be described as “beyond coincidence.”

“It's not only the visions, or Mary, or the secret messages and miracles,” added Biffar.  “It’s the people we met along the way.  We heard stories of unimaginable struggle, love, faith, and forgiveness.  Most importantly, the meaning behind these ‘messages’ transcends any singular religious belief or doctrine.  The amazing stories shared in this film are universal messages of love and forgiveness that, regardless of your beliefs, need to be told.”

In 2008, Biffar’s company “Dreamtime Entertainment” completed and debuted a documentary on the life of Pope John Paul II at the Vatican.  The film titled,  "John Paul ll A Saint For Our Times" has been released nationally, in the United States.

Now, with the production of “In Search of Mary” underway, Director John Biffar and Dr. David Ferraro have an even larger goal of a theatrical release and an international reach.  In order to achieve this goal, they are seeking the support of community and churches, both locally and nationwide. The production team at Dreamtime Entertainment has launched an “Indiegogo” campaign to raise awareness about the film, and raise the necessary funds to complete the final stages of filming, as well as the post-production phase.

“We know that there are many people in our community who share our passion for telling these stories, as well as spreading the film’s underlying, universal messages of love and forgiveness,” said Julie Digby, Director of PR for the campaign. “We are simply asking that people take a few moments to visit the film’s website, watch a few of the video clips, and learn about the film.  If others share our vision, they can donate to the campaign and help us complete the film.  Even donations as small as $10 or $20 are accepted…every little bit helps! We are also asking for people to simply help us spread the word about the film through talking with friends and family or sharing on social media. This film certainly has potential for a very deep and widespread impact, and we are very excited to get the word out.”

   To learn more about “In Search of Mary” and the campaign for the film’s completion, visit www.indiegogo.com/projects/in-search-of-mary.   Daily updates relating to the film, as well as photos and video clips from production, will be posted on the Blog page, www.insearchofmary.com or the Facebook page www.facebook.com/insearchofmary