'Liberating a Continent: John Paul II and the Fall of Communism' Wins Emmy Awards

Producers and director of photography honored

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Dec 12, 2016, 03:26 ET

CHICAGO, Dec. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Liberating a Continent: John Paul II and the Fall of Communism received two Emmy awards on Saturday, Dec. 3, from the Chicago/Midwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

The Outstanding Achievement for Documentary Programs – Historical was awarded to Knights of Columbus CEO and Executive Producer Carl Anderson along with the film's producers, Justyna Czyszek, Szymon Czyszek, David Naglieri and Michele Nuzzo-Naglieri. The film's director of photography, George Hosek, was awarded an Emmy for Outstanding Crafts Achievement Off-Air: Photographer – Program (Non-News).

The film recounts Pope Saint John Paul II's role in the fall of communist rule in Central and Eastern Europe. It explores how his spiritual leadership ensured a revolution of conscience that was pivotal in Poland's Solidarity movement, which contributed to the collapse of the Iron Curtain in 1989.

"We are honored to receive these awards and grateful for the recognition it gives to this important film, which tells the story of how Eastern Europe regained its freedom without violence and by calling forth the best in the human spirit," said Anderson, who worked closely with John Paul II while serving in the White House under President Ronald Reagan. "The documentary shows how John Paul was the essential leader in making this happen and in such a hopeful, inspiring way."

The Chicago/Midwest Chapter is one of the largest and most senior local chapters of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and enjoys a history of valuing innovation and excellence in the field of broadcast television.

Narrated by actor Jim Caviezel and with original music by renowned composer Joe Kraemer (Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation, Jack Reacher), the documentary features rare archival footage and exclusive interviews with several heads of state; papal biographer George Weigel; John Paul's long-time assistant, Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz, now the archbishop of Kraków; Richard Allen, a former national security advisor to President Reagan; and others.

The 90-minute film has been airing nationwide on public television throughout the United States through a partnership with WTTW Chicago and the National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA).

For more information about the documentary, visit www.jp2film.com.

SOURCE Knights of Columbus