"Libera Nos. El combate de los exorcistas", a masterclass in demonology.Giovani Ziberna is the director of "Libera Nos: The battle of the exorcists"The only documentary approved by the International Association of Exorcists. After his conversion a few years ago, Ziberna realized that Catholics need to become aware that the devil exists. Without obsessing about it, but gaining a good knowledge to be prepared.
This is the origin of this film The film, in which several exorcists collaborate, offers a realistic vision of the action of the devil in the world, contrary to what is seen in Hollywood. Without sensationalism and with an unexpected ray of hope for Catholics, "Libera Nos" wants to "share the Christian victory over evil".
What is the origin of this project and why did you think there was a need for a film about exorcisms?
- The idea for the project came from our personal experience and conversion. After receiving baptism, an exorcist called me to help as an assistant during several cases of possession. This introduced us to the subject and made us see how exorcisms are very different from what the movies have led us to believe, and above all we saw the love of the Lord for all of us and his great strength.
We felt it was important to share the Christian victory over evil and the ministry of exorcism through a documentary-catechesis, inaugurating the project with an interview with Father Gabriele Amorth, the famous exorcist, and in the following years with several exorcists of the International Association of Exorcists.
By what criteria did you choose the exorcists in the documentary?
- Exorcists were chosen on the basis of their experience and reputation in the field of their ministry. We collaborated with the International Association of Exorcists, which provided official support for the project and helped select the most qualified exorcists.
This phase was very delicate because we wanted to find the best prepared people who were also reliable and confident in matters of theological preparation of faith and "on the ground" experience.
How is the process of collaboration with the International Association of Exorcists?
- This process involved the selection of exorcists, the review of the content and the official approval of the project. The Association recognized the formative value of the documentary for the Church and the world by assisting in its distribution.
What is the basis for exorcism performances?
- The depictions of exorcisms are based on real cases of deliverance from diabolical possessions experienced by members of the International Association of Exorcists. We have included testimonies of experienced exorcists, such as Father Gabriele Amorth, Father Francesco Bamonte and many others, to present an authentic and professional view of the phenomenon.
Are there any surprising facts you learned during the making of this documentary?
- During the making of the documentary, we learned the importance of prayer, sacramentals, consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the communion of saints in the spiritual struggle. These elements are fundamental to understand the power of God over evil.
What was the biggest challenge in making the documentary?
- The biggest challenge was to avoid falling into sensationalist and "Hollywood" scenes. We wanted to maintain an authentic and documentary approach, while respecting the reality of exorcisms and the Christian faith".
How do you make a film about exorcism without falling into such sensationalism?
- We adopted a docudrama format, combining interviews with exorcists and interventions by psychiatrists and psychologists who are experts in the field. This allowed us to present an objective and professional vision of the phenomenon, avoiding sensationalism and also responding to possible criticism from skeptical doctors.
As for the scenes reconstructed in the film, we did not dwell on the more shocking preternatural aspects that, although rare, can occur (for example, levitation or the expulsion of objects, such as nails or crystals, through the mouth) because we believe that all these phenomena, even if they did occur, would not add anything more to the main theme, that is, the struggle against the one who wants to take us away from God and make us fall into sin. Our intention is not to frighten, but to make us understand the Love that God has for us, and to be able to increase our love for Him.
At the end of the documentary there are several minutes dedicated to the Virgin Mary and her action against the devil, why did you think it was important to dedicate so much time to Saint Mary?
- It seemed important to us to dedicate time to the Virgin Mary because her intercession is fundamental in the fight against the devil, and her action and consecration to her Immaculate Heart are key elements in the Christian victory over evil. The most important thing we have understood is that the most dangerous fight against the devil is the ordinary one, in which the "enemy" remains hidden and acts to make us fall into sin, and Mary is our most important ally in this fight.
What would you like to tell our readers to encourage them to see the film?
- I invite everyone to watch the film to better understand the reality of exorcisms and the power of God over evil. The documentary offers a message of hope and faith, showing the importance of prayer and the communion of saints in the spiritual struggle.
We believe that this film can bring much truth to these issues, acting as a true means of education for both religious and lay people, at a time in history when the forces of evil are increasingly being played upon and the traps for people's souls are growing.
