The Exorcist started the world’s infatuation with demonic possession, but it wasn’t until The Exorcism of Emily Rose that the public became obsessed with real life stories of this paranormal phenomenon. Since then, I’ve seen a ton of movies and documentaries dealing with this subject matter, but none of them have gone in the direction of Federica Di Giacomo’s Libera Nos (or Deliver Us). Told as a mash-up between narrative film and documentary style, Libera Nos examines the business aspect of being an exorcist and how they deal with this rising problem.
Full Synopsis: Claims of Satanic possession are increasing around the world. In meeting the demands of those desperately seeking help, the Catholic Church responds with the solution they’ve employed for centuries: exorcisms. A new wave of exorcist priests is being trained, while veteran Sicilian priest Father Cataldo maintains his stern, diligent practice of the controversial method. His weekly mass is filled with those seeking a cure for the demons they feel they have within them. They cling to the power of their faith as the ultimate source of inner peace but whatever the root of their anguish, it’s evident many are suffering. It’s here that you start to see the true cost of deliverance. As priests attempt to cast Satan back down, the business of exorcism continues to rise.
Future plans include Uncork’d Entertainment releasing Libera Nos in The United States with Indiecan releasing it in Canada. Currently, the film is screening at the Hot Docs Film Festival in Canada and you can catch it on the final night, May 7th, starting at 9:30PM. The venue is set at the TIFF Bell Lightbox 3 and tickets are on sale here. See it now before the rest of the world, or before the Devil takes over your body!
Libera Nos was produced by Paolo Santoni and Francesco Virga.
